Washington State Constitution
The Washington State Constitution is the founding document of our state. It explains the government's structure and powers, as well as the people's rights.
Adoption date
October 1, 1889
Preface
This Constitution was framed by a convention of seventy-five delegates, chosen by the people of the Territory of Washington at an election held May 14, 1889, under section 3 of the Enabling Act. The convention met at Olympia on the fourth day of July, 1889, and adjourned on the twenty-second day of August, 1889. The Constitution was ratified by the people at an election held on October 1, 1889, and on November 11, 1889, in accordance with section 8 of the Enabling Act, the president of the United States proclaimed the admission of the State of Washington into the Union.
Sections
- ARTICLE I. DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
- SECTION 1. POLITICAL POWER
- SECTION 2. SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND
- SECTION 3. PERSONAL RIGHTS
- SECTION 4. RIGHT OF PETITION AND ASSEMBLAGE
- SECTION 5. FREEDOM OF SPEECH
- SECTION 6. OATHS - MODE OF ADMINISTERING
- SECTION 7. INVASION OF PRIVATE AFFAIRS OR HOME PROHIBITED.
- SECTION 8. IRREVOCABLE PRIVILEGE, FRANCHISE OR IMMUNITY PROHIBITED.
- SECTION 9. RIGHTS OF ACCUSED PERSONS
- SECTION 10. ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
- SECTION 11. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
- SECTION 12. SPECIAL PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES PROHIBITED
- SECTION 13. HABEAS CORPUS
- SECTION 14. EXCESSIVE BAIL, FINES AND PUNISHMENTS
- SECTION 15. CONVICTIONS, EFFECT OF
- SECTION 16. EMINENT DOMAIN
- SECTION 17. IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT
- SECTION 18. MILITARY POWER, LIMITATION OF
- SECTION 19. FREEDOM OF ELECTIONS
- SECTION 20. BAIL, WHEN AUTHORIZED
- SECTION 21. TRIAL BY JURY
- SECTION 22. RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED
- SECTION 23. BILL OF ATTAINDER, EX POST FACTO LAW, ETC.
- SECTION 24. RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS
- SECTION 25. PROSECUTION BY INFORMATION
- SECTION 26. GRAND JURY
- SECTION 27. TREASON, DEFINED, ETC.
- SECTION 28. HEREDITARY PRIVILEGES ABOLISHED
- SECTION 29. CONSTITUTION MANDATORY
- SECTION 30. RIGHTS RESERVED
- SECTION 31. STANDING ARMY
- SECTION 32. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
- SECTION 33. RECALL OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS
- SECTION 34. SAME
- SECTION 35. VICTIMS OF CRIMES — RIGHTS
- ARTICLE II. LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
- SECTION 1. LEGISLATIVE POWERS, WHERE VESTED
- SECTION 2. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATE
- SECTION 3. THE CENSUS
- SECTION 4. ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES AND TERM OF OFFICE
- SECTION 5. ELECTIONS, WHEN TO BE HELD
- SECTION 6. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF SENATORS
- SECTION 7. QUALIFICATIONS OF LEGISLATORS
- SECTION 8. JUDGES OF THEIR OWN ELECTION AND QUALIFICATION - QUORUM
- SECTION 9. RULES OF PROCEDURE
- SECTION 10. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
- SECTION 11. JOURNAL, PUBLICITY OF MEETINGS - ADJOURNMENTS
- SECTION 12. SESSIONS, WHEN — DURATION
- SECTION 13. LIMITATION ON MEMBERS HOLDING OFFICE IN THE STATE
- SECTION 14. SAME, FEDERAL OR OTHER OFFICE
- SECTION 15. VACANCIES IN LEGISLATURE AND IN PARTISAN COUNTY ELECTIVE OFFICE
- SECTION 16. PRIVILEGES FROM ARREST
- SECTION 17. FREEDOM OF DEBATE
- SECTION 18. STYLE OF LAWS
- SECTION 19. BILL TO CONTAIN ONE SUBJECT
- SECTION 20. ORIGIN AND AMENDMENT OF BILLS
- SECTION 21. YEAS AND NAYS
- SECTION 22. PASSAGE OF BILLS
- SECTION 23. COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS
- SECTION 24. LOTTERIES AND DIVORCE
- SECTION 25. EXTRA COMPENSATION PROHIBITED
- SECTION 26. SUITS AGAINST THE STATE
- SECTION 27. ELECTIONS — VIVA VOCE VOTE
- SECTION 28. SPECIAL LEGISLATION
- SECTION 29. CONVICT LABOR
- SECTION 30. BRIBERY OR CORRUPT SOLICITATION
- SECTION 31. LAWS, WHEN TO TAKE EFFECT
- SECTION 32. LAWS, HOW SIGNED.
- SECTION 33. ALIEN OWNERSHIP
- SECTION 34. BUREAU OF STATISTICS, AGRICULTURE AND IMMIGRATION
- SECTION 35. PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEES
- SECTION 36. WHEN BILLS MUST BE INTRODUCED
- SECTION 37. REVISION OR AMENDMENT
- SECTION 38. LIMITATION ON AMENDMENTS
- SECTION 39. FREE TRANSPORTATION TO PUBLIC OFFICER PROHIBITED
- SECTION 40. HIGHWAY FUNDS
- SECTION 41. LAWS, EFFECTIVE DATE, INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM —AMENDMENT OR REPEAL
- SECTION 42. GOVERNMENTAL CONTINUITY DURING EMERGENCY PERIODS
- SECTION 43. REDISTRICTING
- ARTICLE III. THE EXECUTIVE
- SECTION 1. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
- SECTION 2. GOVERNOR, TERM OF OFFICE
- SECTION 3 . OTHER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, TERMS OF OFFICE
- SECTION 4. RETURNS OF ELECTIONS, CANVASS, ETC.
- SECTION 5. GENERAL DUTIES OF GOVERNOR.
- SECTION 6. MESSAGES
- SECTION 7. EXTRA LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS
- SECTION 8. COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
- SECTION 9. PARDONING POWER
- SECTION 10. VACANCY IN OFFICE OF GOVERNOR
- SECTION 11. REMISSION OF FINES AND FORFEITURES
- SECTION 12. VETO POWERS
- SECTION 13. VACANCY IN APPOINTIVE OFFICE
- SECTION 14. SALARY
- SECTION 15. COMMISSIONS, HOW ISSUED.
- SECTION 16. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DUTIES AND SALARY
- SECTION 17. SECRETARY OF STATE, DUTIES AND SALARY
- SECTION 18. SEAL
- SECTION 19. STATE TREASURER, DUTIES AND SALARY
- SECTION 20. STATE AUDITOR, DUTIES AND SALARY
- SECTION 21. ATTORNEY GENERAL, DUTIES AND SALARY
- SECTION 22. SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, DUTIES AND SALARY
- SECTION 23. COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS — COMPENSATION
- SECTION 24. RECORDS, WHERE KEPT, ETC.
- SECTION 25. QUALIFICATIONS, COMPENSATION, OFFICES WHICH MAY BE ABOLISHED
- ARTICLE IV. THE JUDICIARY
- SECTION 1. JUDICIAL POWER, WHERE VESTED
- SECTION 2. SUPREME COURT.
- SECTION 2(a). TEMPORARY PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES
- SECTION 3. ELECTION AND TERMS OF SUPREME COURT JUDGES
- SECTION 3(a). RETIREMENT OF SUPREME COURT AND SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES
- SECTION 4. JURISDICTION
- SECTION 5. SUPERIOR COURT — ELECTION OF JUDGES, TERMS OF, ETC.
- SECTION 6. JURISDICTION OF SUPERIOR COURTS
- SECTION 7. EXCHANGE OF JUDGES — JUDGE PRO TEMPORE
- SECTION 8. ABSENCE OF JUDICIAL OFFICER
- SECTION 9. REMOVAL OF JUDGES, ATTORNEY GENERAL, ETC.
- SECTION 10. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
- SECTION 11. COURTS OF RECORD
- SECTION 12. INFERIOR COURTS
- SECTION 13. SALARIES OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS — HOW PAID, ETC.
- SECTION 14. SALARIES OF SUPREME AND SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES
- SECTION 15. INELIGIBILITY OF JUDGES
- SECTION 16. CHARGING JURIES
- SECTION 17. ELIGIBILITY OF JUDGES
- SECTION 18. SUPREME COURT REPORTER
- SECTION 19. JUDGES MAY NOT PRACTICE LAW
- SECTION 20. DECISIONS, WHEN TO BE MADE
- SECTION 21. PUBLICATION OF OPINIONS
- SECTION 22. CLERK OF THE SUPREME COURT
- SECTION 23. COURT COMMISSIONERS
- SECTION 24. RULES FOR SUPERIOR COURTS
- SECTION 25. REPORTS OF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES
- SECTION 26. CLERK OF THE SUPERIOR COURT
- SECTION 27. STYLE OF PROCESS
- SECTION 28. OATH OF JUDGES
- SECTION 29. ELECTION OF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES
- SECTION 30. COURT OF APPEALS
- SECTION 31. COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL CONDUCT
- ARTICLE V. IMPEACHMENT
- ARTICLE VI. ELECTIONS AND ELECTIVE RIGHTS
- SECTION 1. QUALIFICATIONS OF ELECTORS
- SECTION 1A. VOTER QUALIFICATIONS FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
- SECTION 2. SCHOOL ELECTIONS — FRANCHISE, HOW EXTENDED
- SECTION 3. WHO DISQUALIFIED
- SECTION 4. RESIDENCE, CONTINGENCIES AFFECTING
- SECTION 5 VOTER. WHEN PRIVILEGED FROM ARREST
- SECTION 6. BALLOT
- SECTION 7. REGISTRATION
- SECTION 8. ELECTIONS, TIME OF HOLDING
- ARTICLE VII. REVENUE AND TAXATION
- SECTION 1. TAXATION
- SECTION 2. LIMITATION ON LEVIES
- SECTION 3. TAXATION OF FEDERAL AGENCIES AND PROPERTY
- SECTION 4. NO SURRENDER OF POWER OR SUSPENSION OF TAX ON CORPORATE PROPERTY
- SECTION 5. TAXES, HOW LEVIED
- SECTION 6. TAXES, HOW PAID
- SECTION 7. ANNUAL STATEMENT
- SECTION 8. TAX TO COVER DEFICIENCIES
- SECTION 9. SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS OR TAXATION FOR LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS
- SECTION 10. RETIRED PERSONS PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION
- SECTION 11. TAXATION BASED ON ACTUAL USE
- SECTION 12. BUDGET STABILIZATION ACCOUNT
- ARTICLE VIII. STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS
- SECTION 1. STATE DEBT
- SECTION 2 . POWERS EXTENDED IN CERTAIN CASES
- SECTION 3. SPECIAL INDEBTEDNESS, HOW AUTHORIZED
- SECTION 4. MONEYS DISBURSED ONLY BY APPROPRIATIONS
- SECTION 5. CREDIT NOT TO BE LOANED
- SECTION 6. LIMITATIONS UPON MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS
- SECTION 7. CREDIT NOT TO BE LOANED
- SECTION 8. PORT EXPENDITURES — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT — PROMOTION
- SECTION 9. STATE BUILDING AUTHORITY
- SECTION 10. ENERGY, WATER, OR STORMWATER OR SEWER SERVICES CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE
- SECTION 11. AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY ASSESSMENTS — DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTION, AND HOSTING
- ARTICLE IX. EDUCATION
- ARTICLE X. MILITIA
- ARTICLE XI. COUNTY, CITY, AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION
- SECTION 1. EXISTING COUNTIES RECOGNIZED.
- SECTION 2. COUNTY SEATS — LOCATION AND REMOVAL
- SECTION 3. NEW COUNTIES
- SECTION 4. COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION
- SECTION 5. COUNTY GOVERNMENT
- SECTION 6. VACANCIES IN TOWNSHIP, PRECINCT OR ROAD DISTRICT OFFICE
- SECTION 7. TENURE OF OFFICE LIMITED TO TWO TERMS
- SECTION 8. SALARIES AND LIMITATIONS AFFECTING
- SECTION 9. STATE TAXES NOT TO BE RELEASED OR COMMUTED
- SECTION 10. INCORPORATION OF MUNICIPALITIES
- SECTION 11. POLICE AND SANITARY REGULATIONS
- SECTION 12. ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF TAXES IN MUNICIPALITIES
- SECTION 13. PRIVATE PROPERTY, WHEN MAY BE TAKEN FOR PUBLIC DEBT
- SECTION 14. PRIVATE USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS PROHIBITED
- SECTION 15. DEPOSIT OF PUBLIC FUNDS
- SECTION 16. COMBINED CITY-COUNTY
- ARTICLE XII. CORPORATIONS OTHER THAN MUNICIPAL
- SECTION 1. CORPORATIONS, HOW FORMED
- SECTION 2. EXISTING CHARTERS
- SECTION 3. EXISTING CHARTERS NOT TO BE EXTENDED NOR FORFEITURE REMITTED
- SECTION 4. LIABILITY OF STOCKHOLDERS
- SECTION 5. TERM "CORPORATION," DEFINED — RIGHT TO SUE AND BE SUED
- SECTION 6. LIMITATIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF STOCK
- SECTION 7. FOREIGN CORPORATIONS
- SECTION 8. ALIENATION OF FRANCHISE NOT TO RELEASE LIABILITIES
- SECTION 9. STATE NOT TO LOAN ITS CREDIT OR SUBSCRIBE FOR STOCK
- SECTION 10. EMINENT DOMAIN AFFECTING
- SECTION 11. STOCKHOLDER LIABILITY
- SECTION 12. RECEIVING DEPOSITS BY BANK AFTER INSOLVENCY
- SECTION 13. COMMON CARRIERS, REGULATION OF
- SECTION 14. PROHIBITION AGAINST COMBINATIONS BY CARRIERS
- SECTION 15. PROHIBITION AGAINST DISCRIMINATING CHARGES
- SECTION 16. PROHIBITION AGAINST CONSOLIDATING OF COMPETING LINES
- SECTION 17. ROLLING STOCK, PERSONALTY FOR PURPOSE OF TAXATION
- SECTION 18. RATES FOR TRANSPORTATION
- SECTION 19. TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE COMPANIES
- SECTION 20. PROHIBITION AGAINST FREE TRANSPORTATION FOR PUBLIC OFFICERS
- SECTION 21. EXPRESS COMPANIES
- SECTION 22. MONOPOLIES AND TRUSTS
- ARTICLE XIII. STATE INSTITUTIONS
- ARTICLE XIV. SEAT OF GOVERNMENT
- ARTICLE XV. HARBORS AND TIDE WATERS
- ARTICLE XVI. SCHOOL AND GRANTED LANDS
- ARTICLE XVII. TIDE LANDS
- ARTICLE XVIII. STATE SEAL
- ARTICLE XIX. EXEMPTIONS
- ARTICLE XX. PUBLIC HEALTH AND VITAL STATISTICS
- ARTICLE XXI. WATER AND WATER RIGHTS
- ARTICLE XXII. LEGISLATIVE APPORTIONMENT
- ARTICLE XXIII. AMENDMENTS
- ARTICLE XXIV. BOUNDARIES
- ARTICLE XXV. JURISDICTION
- ARTICLE XXVI. COMPACT WITH THE UNITED STATES
- ARTICLE XXVII. SCHEDULE
- SECTION 1. EXISTING RIGHTS, ACTIONS, AND CONTRACTS SAVED
- SECTION 2. LAWS IN FORCE CONTINUED
- SECTION 3. DEBTS, FINES, ETC., TO INURE TO THE STATE
- SECTION 4. RECOGNIZANCES
- SECTION 5. CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS AND PENAL ACTIONS
- SECTION 6. RETENTION OF TERRITORIAL OFFICERS
- SECTION 7. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS, WHEN ELECTED
- SECTION 8. CHANGE OF COURTS - TRANSFER OF CAUSES
- SECTION 9. SEALS OF COURTS AND MUNICIPALITIES
- SECTION 10. PROBATE COURT, TRANSFER OF
- SECTION 11. DUTIES OF FIRST LEGISLATURE
- SECTION 12. ELECTION CONTESTS FOR SUPERIOR JUDGES, HOW DECIDED
- SECTION 13. REPRESENTATION IN CONGRESS
- SECTION 14. DURATION OF TERM OF CERTAIN OFFICERS
- SECTION 15. ELECTION ON ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION, HOW TO BE CONDUCTED
- SECTION 16. WHEN CONSTITUTION TO TAKE EFFECT
- SECTION 17. SEPARATE ARTICLES
- SECTION 18. BALLOT
- SECTION 19. APPROPRIATION
- ARTICLE XXVIII. COMPENSATION OF STATE OFFICERS
- ARTICLE XXIX. INVESTMENTS OF PUBLIC PENSION AND RETIREMENT FUNDS
- ARTICLE XXX. COMPENSATION OF PUBLIC OFFICERS
- ARTICLE XXXI. SEX EQUALITY - RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- ARTICLE XXXII. SPECIAL REVENUE FINANCING
- CERTIFICATE.
- CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
- (IN ORDER OF ADOPTION).
- AMENDMENT 1.
- AMENDMENT 2.
- AMENDMENT 3.
- AMENDMENT 4.
- AMENDMENT 5.
- AMENDMENT 6.
- AMENDMENT 7.
- AMENDMENT 8.
- AMENDMENT 9.
- AMENDMENT 10.
- AMENDMENT 11.
- AMENDMENT 12.
- AMENDMENT 13.
- AMENDMENT 14.
- AMENDMENT 15.
- AMENDMENT 16.
- AMENDMENT 17.
- AMENDMENT 18.
- AMENDMENT 19.
- AMENDMENT 20.
- AMENDMENT 21.
- AMENDMENT 22.
- AMENDMENT 23.
- AMENDMENT 24.
- AMENDMENT 25.
- AMENDMENT 26.
- AMENDMENT 27.
- AMENDMENT 28.
- AMENDMENT 29.
- AMENDMENT 30.
- AMENDMENT 31.
- AMENDMENT 32.
- AMENDMENT 33.
- AMENDMENT 34.
- AMENDMENT 35.
- AMENDMENT 36.
- AMENDMENT 37.
- AMENDMENT 38.
- AMENDMENT 39.
- AMENDMENT 40.
- AMENDMENT 41.
- AMENDMENT 42.
- AMENDMENT 43.
- AMENDMENT 44.
- AMENDMENT 45.
- AMENDMENT 46.
- AMENDMENT 47.
- AMENDMENT 48.
- AMENDMENT 49.
- AMENDMENT 50.
- AMENDMENT 51.
- AMENDMENT 52.
- AMENDMENT 53.
- AMENDMENT 54.
- AMENDMENT 55.
- AMENDMENT 56.
- AMENDMENT 57.
- AMENDMENT 58.
- AMENDMENT 59.
- AMENDMENT 60.
- AMENDMENT 61.
- AMENDMENT 62.
- AMENDMENT 63.
- AMENDMENT 64.
- AMENDMENT 65.
- AMENDMENT 66.
- AMENDMENT 67.
- AMENDMENT 68.
- AMENDMENT 69.
- AMENDMENT 70.
- AMENDMENT 71.
- AMENDMENT 72.
- AMENDMENT 73.
- AMENDMENT 74.
- AMENDMENT 75.
- AMENDMENT 76.
- AMENDMENT 77.
- AMENDMENT 78.
- AMENDMENT 79.
- AMENDMENT 80.
- AMENDMENT 81.
- AMENDMENT 82.
- AMENDMENT 83.
- AMENDMENT 84.
- AMENDMENT 85.
- AMENDMENT 86.
- AMENDMENT 87.
- AMENDMENT 88.
- AMENDMENT 89.
- AMENDMENT 90.
- AMENDMENT 91.
- AMENDMENT 92.
- AMENDMENT 93.
- AMENDMENT 94.
- AMENDMENT 95.
- AMENDMENT 96.
- AMENDMENT 97.
- AMENDMENT 98.
- AMENDMENT 99.
- AMENDMENT 100.
- AMENDMENT 101.
- AMENDMENT 102.
- AMENDMENT 103.
- AMENDMENT 104.
- AMENDMENT 105.
- AMENDMENT 106.
- AMENDMENT 107.
- AMENDMENT 108.
- AMENDMENT 109.
- INDEX TO THE STATE CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE XXIII. AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. HOW MADE
Any amendment or amendments to this Constitution may be proposed in either branch of the legislature; and if the same shall be agreed to by two-thirds of the members elected to each of the two houses, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be entered on their journals, with the ayes and noes thereon, and be submitted to the qualified electors of the state for their approval, at the next general election; and if the people approve and ratify such amendment or amendments, by a majority of the electors voting thereon, the same shall become part of this Constitution, and proclamation thereof shall be made by the governor: Provided, That if more than one amendment be submitted, they shall be submitted in such a manner that the people may vote for or against such amendments separately. The legislature shall also cause notice of the amendments that are to be submitted to the people to be published at least four times during the four weeks next preceding the election in every legal newspaper in the state: Provided, That failure of any newspaper to publish this notice shall not be interpreted as affecting the outcome of the election. [AMENDMENT 37, 1961 Senate Joint Resolution No. 25, p 2753. Approved November, 1962.]
NOTES:
Original text — Art. 23 Section 1 HOW MADE — Any amendment or amendments to this Constitution may be proposed in either branch of the legislature; and if the same shall be agreed to by two-thirds of the members elected to each of the two houses, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be entered on their journals, with the ayes and noes thereon, and be submitted to the qualified electors of the state for their approval, at the next general election; and if the people approve and ratify such amendment or amendments, by a majority of the electors voting thereon, the same shall become part of this Constitution, and proclamation thereof shall be made by the governor: Provided, that if more than one amendment be submitted, they shall be submitted in such a manner that the people may vote for or against such amendments separately. The legislature shall also cause the amendments that are to be submitted to the people to be published for at least three months next preceding the election, in some weekly newspaper, in every county where a newspaper is published throughout the state.
SECTION 2. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS
Whenever two-thirds of the members elected to each branch of the legislature shall deem it necessary to call a convention to revise or amend this Constitution, they shall recommend to the electors to vote at the next general election, for or against a convention, and if a majority of all the electors voting at said election shall have voted for a convention, the legislature shall at the next session, provide by law for calling the same; and such convention shall consist of a number of members, not less than that of the most numerous branch of the legislature.
SECTION 3. SUBMISSION TO THE PEOPLE
Any Constitution adopted by such convention shall have no validity until it has been submitted to and adopted by the people.