Question: Does Initiative 1183 violate Article II, Section 19 of the Washington State Constitution?

Conclusion: No. I-1183 meets the Washington State Constitution’s single-subject and subject-in-title rules under Article II, Section 19. The trial court’s order of summary judgment in favor of the State is affirmed.

Ballot Summary of Initiative 1183: ”This measure would close state liquor stores and sell their assets including the liquor distribution center. The state would license private parties to distribute spirits and to sell spirits in retail stores meeting certain criteria, subject to specified training and compliance requirements. The measure establishes licensing fees for sale and distribution of spirits based on the licensee’s sales revenues. It would change some wine distribution laws and allow non-uniform wholesale pricing for wine and spirits.”

Docket No. 87188-4

Appellant: Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention, a Washington non-profit corporation; David Grumbois, an individual; Gruss, Inc., a Washington corporation

Respondent: State of Washington

Briefs:

Argument: Thursday, May 17, 2012 2:00pm

[Source: TVW, http://tvw.org]

Decided: Thursday, May 31st, 2012

Prevailing Party: State of Washington (Respondent)

Vote: 5-4

Citation: Pending

Court: Madsen3 Court (2012)

Madsen

Johnson

Chambers
(Minority)

Owens

Fairhurst

Johnson

Stephens

Wiggins
(Dissent)

Gonzalez
(Majority)

Opinion

Partial Concurrence

Dissent