OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The controversial “millionaire’s tax bill is on its way to Governor Bob Ferguson’s desk.

The Washington State Senate approved SB 6346 in a 27-21 vote on Wednesday, March 12, after the House spent more than 24 hours debating the measure earlier in the week.

The bill establishes a new state income tax on individuals with more than one million dollars in annual taxable income. The 9.9% tax would send revenue into the state’s general fund to support K-12 education, health care, higher education, human services, and the Working Families Tax Credit.

Lawmakers say the bill is a major step toward modernizing Washington’s historically regressive tax structure, framing the change as a move toward a more balanced, sustainable system to fund essential services.

Opponents argue the plan effectively creates a statewide income tax, something voters have repeatedly rejected.

The measure now awaits the governor’s signature, and he has already indicated his support.