Amending the Constitution to require a two-thirds majority vote of the legislature to raise taxes.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Barnard and 3 co-sponsors

Requires a two-thirds legislative vote in both chambers to raise taxes, with voter referenda available for approval or rejection.

First reading, referred to Finance.

Overview

Type: Joint Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment

Bill Number: HJR 4206

Title: Amending the Constitution to require a two-thirds majority vote of the legislature to raise taxes

Status: First reading, referred to Finance

Introduced: March 25, 2025

Version: H-1961.1

Purpose: Place a constitutional requirement that any action or combination of actions by the legislature that raises taxes may only be taken with at least a two-thirds vote in both chambers, and to give voters the option to approve or reject tax increases at the ballot.

What the bill would do

Adds a new provision to Article II of the Washington Constitution.

Core requirement: Any action or combination of actions by the legislature that raises taxes may be taken only if approved by at least a two-thirds vote of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Referendum mechanism: Tax increases could be referred to the voters for approval or rejection at an election under the constitution’s referendum power (Article II, section 1(b)).

Definition of "raises taxes": Any action or combination of actions by the state legislature that increases state tax revenue deposited in any fund, budget, or account, regardless of whether the revenue goes to the general fund.

Notice requirement: The Secretary of State must publish notice of the constitutional amendment at least four times during the four weeks immediately preceding the general election in every legal newspaper in the state.

Who would be affected

State legislators: Would require a supermajority (two-thirds) to enact any tax-raising measure.

Voters: Retains a direct say on tax increases via the referendum mechanism during elections.

State fiscal processes: Any proposed tax changes would be subject to the heightened legislative threshold and potential voter approval, affecting timing and feasibility of tax policy changes.

Secretary of State and media: Responsible for publishing required notices about the amendment prior to elections.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and first reading: March 25, 2025; referred to the Committee on Finance.

Next steps (pending legislative action): If the measure advances, it would need passage by both chambers and then submission to voters at the next general election.

Campaign/notice timeline: If placed on the ballot, notice must be published four times over four weeks before the election.

Potential impact and considerations

Policy impact: Creates a high barrier to raising taxes, requiring supermajorities in both chambers and potential voter approval.

Fiscal implications: Could constrain the Legislature’s ability to address revenue needs promptly, potentially affecting funding for public services and programs.

Political dynamics: Shifts some leverage to voters and interest groups advocating against tax increases; may influence budget negotiations and tax policy design.

Legal/constitutional considerations: Would alter the legislative budgeting and tax-raising framework; effectiveness depends on voter turnout and subsequent ballot outcomes.

Bottom line

HJR 4206 seeks to enshrine a two-thirds legislative approval threshold for any tax increases and enable voter referenda on such measures, accompanied by a mandated notice regime. If enacted by voters, the amendment would significantly raise the bar for raising state taxes and inject a direct democracy check into tax policy.

Bill