I am pondering submitting an initiative for the state to hold our runaway legislators accountable for their unconstitutional bills.
Let’s call it
Hold Legislators Accountable for Unconstitutional Bills and Associated Costs
The proposed body is…
I’m a Washington resident, deeply concerned with the disturbing trend of bills being passed that are later found unconstitutional. These bills, submitted by our own legislators, knowingly run the risk of court challenges, and at the end of the day, it’s the taxpayers who bear the financial brunt of these actions, even when they’re against legislation they originally opposed.
Unjustifiably, the legislators responsible for these bills face no personal penalties, neither for the costs associated with defending these bills in court nor the expenses incurred by the plaintiffs. This invaluable loophole contributes immensely to the rising numbers of such unconstitutional laws. With this petition, we seek to rectify this anomaly.
As per the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, legal fees for defending challenged legislation regularly run into millions of dollars – a cost burden unfairly passed onto taxpayers (2015). It’s high time to reform this act and instill accountability among our legislators.
We call for a policy change: any legislator who files a bill subsequently found unconstitutional should be personally liable for all costs associated with its defense, as well as any incurred by the plaintiffs. Ensuring that those responsible bear the consequences of their decisions will undoubtedly result in more considered, appropriate legislation.
Don’t let the cost of unconstitutional bills become an unjust taxpayer burden. Endorse this petition, let’s hold our legislators accountable.