Attorney General's Office Files Response in I-695 cases

Olympia - February 9, 2000 - the Attorney General's Office today filed the state's response in five of the seven King County Superior Court cases that have raised constitutional or other legal challenges to Initiative 695.

The AG's Office, which is defending the initiative on behalf of the state, filed a cross-motion for summary judgment and a memorandum in opposition to the plaintiffs' motions for summary judgment. Oral argument on the motions and cross motions is scheduled March 6 before King County Superior Court Judge Robert Alsdorf.

Plaintiffs in the cases covered in today's response include the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587, et al., the Vashon-Maury Island Community Council, the City of Bainbridge Island, et al., Tacoma Water, et al., and Public Utility District No. 1 of Snohomish County.

The state will file responses to cases filed by the Port of Whitman County, et al., on Feb. 14, and by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency on Feb. 22.

All of the seven cases have been consolidated or linked for purposes of proceedings in the courts.

Alsdorf is expected to rule on the cases sometime after the March 6 oral arguments. The cases are then expected to move directly to the state Supreme Court, which may hear oral arguments in June.

-30-

12/22/99 - Attorney General Says I-695 Stands Up to Constitutional Challenges

10/22/99 The Attorney General's Office has prepared a memorandum that will provide assistant attorneys general with a common frame work for analyzing certain issues raised by I-695. 

10/13/99 Courts or Legislature Will Answer Car Tax Question If I-695 Passes