Washington’s Senate passed its “millionaire tax” bill, SB 6346, on February 16, 2026, by a vote of 27–22. The bill later cleared the House and was signed into law, but the law’s future was still subject to a voter decision: Initiative 645, a repeal measure, was scheduled for the November 3, 2026, ballot.
What the Senate voted on
The Legislature’s official short description for SB 6346 was “Establishing a tax on millionaires.” The Senate approved it on third reading on February 16, 2026, by 27 votes to 22, according to the Washington State Legislature’s bill history.
That vote was one stage in the bill’s passage, not the final enactment. The House later passed it on March 9, 2026, by 51–46. Governor Bob Ferguson signed it on March 30, making it ESSB 6346, Chapter 238, Laws of 2026. The Legislature’s Senate Bill Report records the floor votes and bill history.
What the enacted law does
The central individual-income-tax provision is a 9.90 percent tax on individual income above $1 million, beginning in calendar year 2028. That threshold and start year describe the enacted provision; they do not mean the tax applied when the Senate voted in February 2026. The Washington Department of Revenue’s 2026 tax legislation summary lists the rate and timing.
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ESSB 6346 was broader than that rate-and-threshold provision. It also changed business taxes and created or scheduled sales and use tax exemptions. Those provisions have varying effective dates, so it would be inaccurate to say that every part of the law starts in 2028. The Legislature’s final-bills summary identifies the enacted measure as Chapter 238, Laws of 2026.
Why the law was still a live issue in October 2026
As of October 7, 2026, Initiative 645 had been certified for the November 3 general-election ballot. The Secretary of State’s initiative and referendum information and the Legislature’s Initiative 26-645 summary describe a proposal that would repeal the 9.90 percent tax on annual individual income above $1 million and prohibit individual income taxes, among other terms.
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The ballot measure’s outcome was pending on October 7. Certification for a ballot does not itself repeal the enacted law; the measure was a scheduled voter decision, not a repeal already accomplished. Election and court developments after that date may change the status.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read the three key dates and votes
| Stage | Date | Recorded result |
|---|---|---|
| Senate passage of SB 6346 | February 16, 2026 | Passed 27–22 |
| House passage | March 9, 2026 | Passed 51–46 |
| Gubernatorial signature | March 30, 2026 | Signed as ESSB 6346, Chapter 238, Laws of 2026 |
| Initiative 645 ballot decision | Scheduled for November 3, 2026 | Outcome pending as of October 7, 2026 |
The Senate’s 27–22 tally, the House’s 51–46 tally, and the November ballot question are different events. The vote counts show legislative passage; they are not estimates of how much revenue the tax would raise or how many people would owe it.
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