OLYMPIA, Waah.  (Metro)  -- Even though a judge has ruled unconstitutional a state law requiring a two-thirds vote for lawmakers to approve tax increases, a local state senator wants to make the law permanent.

Republican Doug Rricksen of Ferndale says he plans to file a constitutional amendment, to put the rule in his words “where it cannot be touched by the courts or lawmakers.”

Conservative initiative sponsor Tim Eyman says this week’s ruling will only add fuel to the fire of support for the two-thirds requirement.



King County Superior Court Judge Bruce Heller says the super-majority vote requirement, approved by Washington voters in 2010, violates the constitution's provision for a simple majority. 

Attorney general Rob McKenna says he'll appeal Heller's decision to the State Supreme Court.