Washington Initiative 1185

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

Ballot measure title and summary

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

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 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. As per RCW 42.17A on "campaign disclosure and contribution," the Washington state Public Disclosure Commission also posts campaign information online, including information for referenda and initiatives

The primary sponsor registered for I-1185 is Tim Eyman, one of 25 initiatives to the people Eyman sponsored for 2012. Additional sponsors are Leo J. Fagan and M.J. Fagan. Approximately 95% of the money to support the initiative is reportedly from "corporate behemoths such as oil companies ... the national beer and soda-pop industries and big pharmaceutical firms."