WA Legislature passes 3 citizen initiatives

By on Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

OLYMPIA – Three citizen initiatives sent to the Washington Legislature will become law June 5 following the passage in the House of Representatives and Senate Monday.

Republican lawmakers said a big win for public safety is Initiative 2113, which restores the reasonable suspicion standards for police pursuits that existed before the majority changed the law in 2021.

Also passed was Initiative 2111 which bans a personal income tax.

Then there is Initiative 2081, which encourages more involvement by parents in their children’s education by allowing more parental involvement. Sen. Perry Dozier (R-Waitsburg) explains it creates a parents’ bill of rights.

“I believe that this is something so important because we want to be engaged with our children. We do not want to be left out,” he added.

These three initiatives become law without the governor’s signature 90 days after the legislature adjourns tomorrow (Thursday). Three initiatives that repeal the capital gains income tax, cap-and-trade, and allow people to opt out of the long-term care payroll tax will be on the ballot in November as the majority party in the legislature refused to act on them this session.