The Washington state Legislature has approved three initiatives that have conservative backing. These initiatives aim to grant police enhanced authority to pursue individuals in vehicles, establish a set of rights for parents of public-school students, and prohibit an income tax.
Let’s Go Washington, a group primarily funded by hedge fund executive Brian Heywood, has successfully certified three initiatives after submitting hundreds of thousands of signatures in their support. These initiatives include overturning the state’s landmark carbon pricing program, repealing the tax on the sale of stocks and bonds, and potentially threatening a long-term care insurance program. With their certification, these initiatives are expected to go directly to the voters.
Heywood expressed his satisfaction with the passage of three initiatives by stating, “The 800,000 Washingtonians who signed the initiatives knew they were common sense measures, and the passage of three today proves they are just that,” in an email.
The majority Democratic Legislature has approved three initiatives, which will be delivered to the secretary of state and will take effect 90 days after the session ends.
The police pursuit initiative aims to change the current protocol for law enforcement officers. Under the initiative, officers would no longer be required to have reasonable suspicion that a person inside a vehicle has committed specific crimes, such as a violent offense, sex offense, or domestic violence assault, in order to initiate pursuit. Instead, the initiative would allow police to initiate pursuits based on their suspicions that a person has violated the law.
Republican Senator Mike Padden expressed his belief in the immediate action needed to safeguard public safety and protect citizens and constituents. During the vote, he stated, “We can take a major step right here, right now to protect public safety, to protect our citizens, our constituents.” Padden acknowledged that while this measure may not solve all the problems, it will significantly enhance law enforcement’s ability to carry out their duties more effectively.
Democratic Senator Patty Kuderer disagreed, pointing out that many law enforcement agencies have shifted their approach away from high-speed chases and have implemented additional restrictions.
She expressed her confusion over the decision to lessen the law, which she believed was in line with best practices, as it could potentially compromise public safety.
The initiative’s rules would serve as the foundation requirements, while individual agencies would have the flexibility to implement even stricter pursuit standards.
Democratic Senator June Robinson clarified that the income tax initiative would not alter the existing law. Currently, Washington is one of the nine states that do not have a state income tax. However, lawmakers emphasized the significance of enshrining it in legislation during their discussions on Monday.
Republican Representative Jim Walsh expressed his support for the codification of a long-standing tradition in Washington – the absence of personal income tax. In his statement, he emphasized that this tradition has been a driving force for many lawmakers, including himself, and is one of the aspects that makes being from Washington so great.
According to the secretary of state’s office, the state has deliberated on about twelve ballot measures to implement an income tax in the past ninety-two years. Surprisingly, only one of these measures was successful, back in 1932. However, this victory was short-lived as it was eventually overturned by the state Supreme Court.
Parents of public-school students would be granted 15 specific rights under another initiative. These rights include the ability to examine textbooks and curriculum in their child’s classroom, receive notifications regarding changes to the school’s calendar, and inspect their child’s public school records. Additionally, parents would have the right to be notified and opt out of any assignments or activities that touch on topics such as their child’s sexual attractions or their family’s religion or political party.
Lawmakers emphasized that this legislation aims to enhance parental awareness and comprehension of their existing rights, which are already enshrined in the current law.
Republican Senator Perry Dozier emphasized the importance of parents being well-informed about their children’s education. With 295 school districts in the state, parents want to have a clear understanding of what is happening in their specific school. This includes knowing about the teaching methods employed, the curriculum being followed, and the performance of students in assessments.
Democratic Senator Lisa Wellman expressed concerns about the potential lack of clarity in some of the language.
According to her, “We can now pass this into law and then address any potential ambiguities.”
