Bill > HB1880

This bill establishes a new legal provision that explicitly affirms the Washington State Legislature's exclusive authority to determine and make appropriations of state funds. Specifically, the bill declares that the legislature has the sole power to choose how it will fulfill its constitutional and statutory obligations, and it limits the ability of courts to mandate specific financial actions. Under this proposed law, entities seeking legal remedies against the state through declaratory or injunctive relief would be prohibited from obtaining judicial decisions that would require the legislature to: increase budget allocations beyond current levels, redirect existing funds, or redistribute appropriated or non-appropriated moneys. The bill effectively creates a legal barrier preventing courts from compelling the legislature to make specific financial appropriations, thereby reinforcing the legislative branch's budgetary autonomy and protecting its constitutional role in managing state financial resources.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1880&Year=2025&Initiative=false