The bill amends RCW 29A.36.071 to provide local governments with the option to establish their own ballot title formats for elections involving competing ballot measures. It allows local jurisdictions to adopt a charter or ordinance that requires the use of a different ballot title format, enabling voters to express preferences between an initiative measure and an alternative measure passed by the jurisdiction on the same subject. The bill stipulates that both measures must be submitted at the same election, allowing voters to vote independently for or against either measure, with the one receiving the most affirmative votes being adopted.

Additionally, the bill specifies that local governments that adopt such charters or ordinances are exempt from certain state provisions regarding ballot titles for these measures. It also includes a provision that any charter or ordinance adopted under this new framework cannot take effect within 180 days of its passage. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 29A.36.071
Substitute Bill: 29A.36.071