As reported in the Everett Herald, Tim Eyman submitted 286,003 signatures supporting Initiative Measure No. 976 to the legislature. An initiative to the legislature is a little different than an initiative to the people. With an initiative to the legislature the 2019 legislature will have the option of 1) adopting the initiative, 2) place the initiative on the next general election ballot, or 3) approve an alternative measure where both will be placed on the next general election ballot. The initiative signatures still need to be validated by the Secretary of State with 259,622 valid signatures required.
Initiative 976 would repeal or remove certain vehicle taxes and fees limiting the state and local license fees to $30 on vehicles meeting a designated threshold. The measure could affect cities abilities to create and fund transportation benefit districts and regional transit authorities using car tab fees. Cities should review the initiative language to determine the potential impacts and share that information with your local legislators. AWC will continue to review the initiative and provide additional information.