Rep. Joe Schmick: Why Washington must honor the initiative process
Washington’s Constitution gives citizens an important tool: the power to bring ideas directly to the Legislature through the initiative process.
That process exists for a simple reason. When people feel unheard, as is often the case when one party rules Olympia for decades, they still deserve a fair and meaningful way to be part of the conversation.
Right now, that voice is being pushed aside.
More than 860,000 Washingtonians recently signed petitions supporting two initiatives to the Legislature. One seeks to restore the original Parents’ Bill of Rights. The other focuses on fairness in girls’ sports. These were not rushed efforts or narrow campaigns. They were organized, lawful, and supported by hundreds of thousands of voters from communities across our state.
That level of participation deserves respect.
The Parents’ Bill of Rights initiative is about trust between families and schools. Parents want to know what their children are being taught. They want transparency when students receive medical or mental health services. They want to be informed when serious issues arise. These are reasonable expectations.
Not long ago, the Legislature agreed. The original Parents’ Bill of Rights passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. Later, it was revised and weakened. Many families felt betrayed by this obvious “bait-and-switch.” So, they organized again and brought their message back to Olympia.
The initiative addressing girls’ sports is about fairness and opportunity. Title IX was created to ensure that female athletes have equal access to competition, scholarships, and recognition. This measure is meant to protect that principle in a thoughtful and reasonable way. It does not single out students. It aims to preserve a level playing field for young women who train hard and compete with dedication.
I support both initiatives and, taken together, these measures send a clear message. Families want transparency, fairness, and the assurance that they’re being heard.
Yet Democrats in Olympia have already announced they will not hold public hearings on either measure.
That is disappointing.
Article II, Section 1 of our Constitution states that initiatives to the Legislature are meant to take priority. The framers understood that when citizens speak directly, their voices deserve special consideration. Ignoring that instruction should concern people of every political viewpoint.
In response to this refusal to hold public hearings, House and Senate Republicans recently held two “listening sessions” in Olympia for people on both sides of these initiatives to express their support or their concern. Despite many roadblocks put in the way of this effort – some mysteriously at the last minute – the two listening sessions were a huge success as the people were able to express their thoughts both for and against.
At the same time, the majority party is pushing legislation that would make the initiative process more difficult. Senate Bill 5973 would restrict signature gathering, add new legal hurdles, and increase the risk of lawsuits. Supporters say it is about integrity. But Washington already has strong safeguards in place, including signature verification and criminal penalties for fraud.
Even former and current secretaries of state from both parties have warned that these changes could discourage public participation.
There is no evidence of widespread abuse in the initiative system. What we are seeing instead is frustration from voters who feel disconnected from decisions being made in Olympia.
We have seen what happens when voters feel ignored. Trust erodes. Cynicism grows. And confidence in government suffers.
The initiative process is not perfect. No system is. But it remains one of the most important ways citizens can hold their government accountable. It is a reminder that public service is about listening as much as leading.
This is not about political advantage. It is about whether ordinary people still have a meaningful voice in state government. It is about whether we honor the Constitution we swore to uphold.
I believe Washington works best when lawmakers welcome public input, even when it is uncomfortable.
In the end, trusting the people is not a risk. It is the foundation of good government.
