Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
State Government

HJR 4206

Brief Description:  Requiring the legislature to establish a method for approving initiatives.

Sponsors:  Representatives Doumit, Buck, H. Sommers, G. Chandler, Morris, Clements, Kessler, Cox, Tokuda, Ballasiotes, Fisher, Lisk, Dickerson, D. Schmidt, Kenney, Mulliken, McIntire, O'Brien, Kagi, Gombosky, Edmonds and Edwards.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requires the Legislature to enact a statute providing a method for determining if a measure initiated by the people has a substantial fiscal impact on the state or any local government.  A measure determined to have such an impact only becomes law if approved by sixty percent of the voters voting on the measure.

Hearing Date:  2/9/01

Staff:  Steve Lundin (786‑7127).

Background: 

The state constitution vests the legislative power of the state in the State Legislature, but grants state voters initiative and referendum on state legislation.

Two types of initiative measures are provided.  First, an initiative may be submitted directly to state voters for their approval or rejection.  This is referred to as an Initiative to the People.  Second, an initiative may be submitted to the Legislature for its consideration.  This is referred to as an Initiative to the Legislature.  The Legislature may respond to an Initiative to the Legislature by:

$Enacting the measure as presented, without the potential of a veto by the Governor, but the measure is subject to referendum action by state voters;

$Approve an alternative measure, in which case both the original measure and the alternative measure are presented to voters at the next general election for their approval or rejection; or

$Fail to act, in which case the measure is submitted to voters at the next general election for their approval or rejection.

Two types of referenda measures are provided.  The legislature may submit a measure to the voters for their approval or rejection.  This is referred to as a referendum bill.  Second, state voters may refer all or part of a measure enacted by the Legislature to themselves for their approval or rejection.  This is referred to as a referendum measure.

The powers of initiative and referendum are "self‑executing" but legislation may be enacted facilitating these provisions.

Summary of Bill: 

The Legislature is required to enact legislation for determining whether a measure initiated by the people has a substantial fiscal impact on the state or any local government.  A measure that is determined to have a substantial fiscal impact may only take effect if approved by sixty percent of the votes cast on the measure.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.