If the law is overturned, at least a half a billion dollars would be kept in taxpayer pockets.
Olympia, Washington — SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 — Citizen Action Defense Fund, through retained outside counsel, is set to argue its motion for summary judgment in its lawsuit on behalf of taxpayers against the state of Washington on Friday, September 22nd. The hearing on the motion will take place in Thurston County Superior Court on the challenge to key legislation in the 2022 Transportation Package, and, if granted, would have the effect of lowering the cost of gas and driver’s license fees.
Doriot et al. v. State of Washington was filed on behalf of a small business and a trucking company in an effort to ensure the court strikes down ESSB 5974 due to its violation of the single subject requirement of the Washington state constitution. If successful, the court will enter a declaratory judgment that renders ESSB 5874 unconstitutional and void.
“This motion to get a final court ruling is not just about trying to help people with sky-high gas prices and license fees, it is also a chance to make sure the state constitution is followed so that the legislature can’t play word games with laws.” said Jackson Maynard, Executive Director of CADF. “It is somewhat ironic that even the parties arguing for the act’s constitutionality couldn’t agree on the meaning of the title of the bill in briefing. If the state and proponents are confused about what bill language means, the public stands no chance. The need for transparency is exactly why this provision of the state constitution exists.”
Jackson Maynard, Executive Director
300 Deschutes Way SW, Suite 300
Tumwater, WA 98501
office: (360) 878-9206; cell: (850) 519-3495