Opinion ID: 2639393
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Subject in Ballot Title Requirement

Text: In addition to the single subject requirement, article II, section 19 requires the subject of an enactment be stated in the title to provide notice of its contents. Amalgamated Transit Union, 142 Wash.2d at 207, 11 P.3d 762. Article II, section 19 states, No bill shall embrace more than one subject, and that shall be expressed in the title.  (Emphasis added.) The subject in title rule is based on the second clause of section 19. Its purpose is to inform voters and members of the legislature on the subject matter of the measure they are voting on. Mun. of Metro. Seattle v. O'Brien, 86 Wash.2d 339, 348, 544 P.2d 729 (1976). In explaining the subject in the title requirement of article II, section 19 we have stated: The title to a bill need not be an index to its contents; nor is the title expected to give the details contained in the bill. Treffry v. Taylor, 67 Wash.2d 487, 491, 408 P.2d 269 (1965). [The] title complies with the constitution if it gives notice that would lead to an inquiry into the body of the act, or indicate to an inquiring mind the scope and purpose of the law. [ Young Men's Christian Ass'n v. State, 62 Wash.2d 504, 506, 383 P.2d 497 (1963); Treffry, 67 Wash.2d at 491, 408 P.2d 269. Wash. Fed'n of State Employees v. State, 127 Wash.2d 544, 555, 901 P.2d 1028 (1995). The ballot title of I-773 meets this test. Any `objections to the title must be grave and the conflict between it and the constitution palpable before we will hold an act unconstitutional.' Nat'l Ass'n of Creditors v. Brown, 147 Wash. 1, 3, 264 P. 1005 (1928) (quoting N. Cedar Co. v. French, 131 Wash. 394, 419, 230 P. 837 (1924)). The official ballot title reads: Initiative Measure No. 773 concerns additional tobacco taxes for low-income health programs and other programs. This measure would impose an additional sales tax on cigarettes and a surtax on wholesaled tobacco products. The proceeds would be earmarked for existing programs and expanded health care services for low-income persons. Voters Pamphlet, supra, at 6. The title notifies the voter that I-773 includes additional tobacco taxes and goes on to explain the types of taxes that would go into effect if the measure is passed. The title further explains where the money from the new taxes will go, i.e., to existing programs and expanded health care services for low-income persons. If an individual wishes to learn more details or is not satisfied with the ballot title, he or she can simply read the attorney general's explanation about the program funded by the initiative in the Voters Pamphlet. We conclude the ballot title gives the voting public proper notice of the purpose of the initiative. Therefore, no violation of the subject in ballot title requirements of article II, section 19 exists.