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Bill

HB 2459

Requiring public investment impact disclosures for certain alternative measures proposed by the legislature to initiatives to the legislature.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Gregerson and 2 co-sponsors

Requires Washington Legislature to publicly disclose projected fiscal impacts when proposing alternative measures to citizen-initiated ballot measures.

House Rules "X" file.
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Bill Summary · HB 2459

Legislative bill overview

HB 2459 requires the Washington Legislature to disclose the projected public investment impacts when proposing alternative measures to citizen-initiated ballot measures. This transparency requirement applies to fiscal analyses that accompany legislative alternatives to initiatives, ensuring lawmakers must quantify budgetary consequences before presenting competing options to voters.

Why is this important

When citizens propose ballot initiatives, the legislature can offer alternative measures as competing options. This bill ensures voters receive clear information about how much public money each alternative would require or save, enabling more informed democratic decision-making on fiscal matters that directly affect state budgets and spending priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Burden on legislative process: Requiring detailed investment impact disclosures may slow the legislature's ability to respond quickly to citizen initiatives with competing proposals
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill may lack clarity on which "alternative measures" trigger disclosure requirements and what constitutes sufficient "impact" disclosure
  • Fiscal analysis standardization: Questions exist about who conducts these analyses, whether standards are consistent, and whether fiscal projections themselves become subject to dispute

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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