RCW 43.385.050: Assessments—Ratification.

(1)(a) Within three years of June 11, 2026, the authority shall conduct a referendum among affected businesses to ratify the proposed assessment program. In the case of a failed ratification, the authority may continue to resubmit the same proposal or a modified proposal beyond the three-year limitation.

(b) Each assessed business is entitled to a weighted vote in each referendum. In calculating weighted votes, each assessed business receives a vote equal to the projected assessment paid by that business. The initial referendum must be approved by a majority of the weighted votes cast at the referendum.

(c) For purposes of voting in any referendum, each assessed business is part of one industry sector and one sector-segment, and for voting purposes only, a business with revenue in more than one industry sector or sector-segment shall only be included in the sector and segment in which it earns the most gross revenue.

(d) A sector's assessment may be approved only by a majority of weighted votes from businesses within that same sector. Votes from other sectors are not counted for or against another industry's assessment.

(2) Assessments may begin once ratified by vote and shall be collected on an annual basis.

(3) The cost of any referendum under this section shall be paid by the authority and reimbursed from assessments collected under RCW 43.385.060. The costs incurred by the department in its role associated with RCW 43.384.020 shall be paid for by the authority, regardless of the passage or failure of any referendum.