OLYMPIA — The state attorney general’s office says that the state can move ahead with ferry fare increases because they were approved before a voter-approved initiative dealing with taxes and fees took effect.
A legal memo sent to state officials Wednesday says that Initiative 1053 has no affect on fare increases approved by the state Transportation Commission on Nov. 15.
The memo clarified an informal opinion issued earlier by the attorney general’s office that said the commission couldn’t raise ferry fares or impose or raise tolls without a legislative vote.
I-1053 requires the Legislature to get a majority vote on fee increases and two-thirds majority on tax-hike votes rather than the simple majority required for most legislation. It took effect Dec. 2.
