2012 Washington Initiative 1185

Washington Initiative 1185 was a 2012 initiative in Washington state. It passed with 63.91% of the vote,^[1] but portions were declared unconstitutional in February 2013.^[2]

Initiative 1185

A measure requiring that legislative action to raise taxes without a vote of the people require a supermajority vote.
Results
Choice Votes  % Yes 1,892,969 63.91% No 1,069,083 36.09% Valid votes 2,962,052 100.00% Invalid or blank votes 0 0.00% Total votes 2,962,052 100.00%
County results Congressional district results Precinct results Yes   90–100%   80–90%   70–80%   60–70%   50–60% No   90–100%   80–90%   70–80%   60–70%   50–60% Other   Tie   No data

Ballot measure title and summary

The full text of the measure is available online.^[3] As described by the Secretary of State's office, I-1185 "concerns tax and fee increases imposed by state government."^[4]

This measure would restate existing statutory requirements that legislative actions raising taxes must be approved by two-thirds legislative majorities or receive voter approval, and that new or increased fees require majority legislative approval.

Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes [ ] No [ ]

This measure would restate the existing statutory requirement that any action or combination of actions by the legislature that raises taxes must be approved by two-thirds vote in both houses of the legislature, or be approved in a referendum to the people. It would restate the existing statutory definition of "raises taxes," restate the requirement that new or increased fees must be approved by majority vote in both houses of the legislature, and correct statutory references.

Support and opposition

Statements for and against each ballot measure are also available online as part of the official online voter's guide.^[5] As per RCW 42.17A on "campaign disclosure and contribution," the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission also posts campaign information online, including information for referendums and initiatives^[6]

The primary sponsor registered for I-1185 was Tim Eyman, who proposed 25 initiatives for 2012. Additional sponsors were Leo J. Fagan and M.J. Fagan.^[7] Approximately 95% of the money to support the initiative was reportedly from "corporate behemoths such as oil companies ... the national beer and soda-pop industries and big pharmaceutical firms."^[8]