Washington Lawmakers Agree to Ban State and Local Income Taxes

Washington state lawmakers approved an initiative Monday to ban state and local income taxes, averting an effort to send the measure to voters in November.

The measure, (Initiative 2111) passed the House 76-21and Senate 38-11after lawmakers debated whether it will matter, as Washington already doesn’t have a personal income tax, officials aren’t considering proposals to enact one, and the state constitution already bars levying taxes at varying rates. The measure will be filed with the secretary of state and will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns for the year on March 7.

• The initiative is one ...