State constitution
Constitution of Washington
Data from WA Legislature
Full article/section structure with condensed section text. Article XXVI (Compact with the United States) and Article XXVII (Schedule) are transitional and summarized rather than listed section-by-section. Read the verbatim text at the source link.
Article I Declaration of Rights
§ 1 Political Power
All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.
§ 2 Supreme Law of the Land
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land.
§ 3 Personal Rights
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
§ 4 Right of Petition and Assemblage
The people have the right peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for redress of grievances.
§ 5 Freedom of Speech
Every person may freely speak, write, and publish on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right.
§ 6 Oaths - Mode of Administering
Oaths and affirmations may be administered in the mode most binding on the conscience of the person taking them.
§ 7 Invasion of Private Affairs or Home Prohibited
No person shall be disturbed in their private affairs, or their home invaded, without authority of law.
§ 8 Irrevocable Privilege, Franchise or Immunity Prohibited
No law granting an irrevocable privilege, franchise, or immunity shall be passed.
§ 9 Rights of Accused Persons
No person shall be compelled to give evidence against themselves or be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense.
§ 10 Administration of Justice
Justice in all cases shall be administered openly and without unnecessary delay.
§ 11 Religious Freedom
Absolute freedom of conscience in matters of religion is guaranteed, and no public money may support any religious establishment.
§ 12 Special Privileges and Immunities Prohibited
No law shall grant any citizen or class of citizens privileges or immunities not equally available to all.
§ 13 Habeas Corpus
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except in cases of rebellion or invasion.
§ 14 Excessive Bail, Fines and Punishments
Excessive bail and fines and cruel punishment are prohibited.
§ 15 Convictions, Effect of
No conviction shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture of estate.
§ 16 Eminent Domain
Private property shall not be taken or damaged for public or private use without just compensation, determined by a jury.
§ 17 Imprisonment for Debt
There shall be no imprisonment for debt, except in cases of absconding debtors.
§ 18 Military Power, Limitation of
The military is in strict subordination to the civil power.
§ 19 Freedom of Elections
All elections shall be free and equal, and no power shall interfere with the free exercise of the right of suffrage.
§ 20 Bail, When Authorized
All persons charged with crime are bailable except for capital offenses where the proof is evident or the presumption great.
§ 21 Trial by Jury
The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate, though the legislature may authorize verdicts by less than a unanimous jury in civil cases.
§ 22 Rights of the Accused
The accused has the rights to appear and defend, to know the charge, to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury, to counsel, to confront witnesses, and to compulsory process.
§ 23 Bill of Attainder, Ex Post Facto Law, Etc.
No bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.
§ 24 Right to Bear Arms
The right of the individual to bear arms in defense of self or the state shall not be impaired, though this does not authorize armed bodies.
§ 25 Prosecution by Information
Offenses may be prosecuted by information, and the legislature may abolish the grand jury system.
§ 26 Grand Jury
No grand jury shall be drawn or summoned except as prescribed by law.
§ 27 Treason, Defined, Etc.
Treason consists only in levying war against the state or aiding its enemies, proven by two witnesses or confession in open court.
§ 28 Hereditary Privileges Abolished
No hereditary emoluments, privileges, or powers shall be granted.
§ 29 Constitution Mandatory
The provisions of this Constitution are mandatory unless declared to be otherwise.
§ 30 Rights Reserved
The enumeration of rights shall not be construed to deny others retained by the people.
§ 31 Standing Army
No standing army shall be kept in peacetime, and no soldier shall be quartered in any house without the owner's consent.
§ 32 Fundamental Principles
A frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is essential to the security of individual rights and the perpetuity of free government.
§ 33 Recall of Elective Officers
Elective public officers, except judges, are subject to recall and discharge by the voters for malfeasance, misfeasance, or violation of the oath of office.
§ 34 Same
Provides the procedures for recall petitions and elections.
§ 35 Victims of Crimes — Rights
Crime victims have rights including to be informed of, present at, and heard at public proceedings, and to restitution.
Article II Legislative Department
§ 1 Legislative Powers, Where Vested
Legislative power is vested in the legislature, but the people reserve the power of initiative and referendum.
§ 2 House of Representatives and Senate
The legislature consists of a House of Representatives and a Senate.
§ 3 The Census
Provides for the state census and its use in apportionment.
§ 4 Election of Representatives and Term of Office
Representatives are elected for two-year terms.
§ 5 Elections, When to be Held
Elections for legislators are held at the times fixed by law.
§ 6 Election and Term of Office of Senators
Senators are elected for four-year terms, with roughly half elected every two years.
§ 7 Qualifications of Legislators
Legislators must be citizens, qualified voters, and residents of their district.
§ 8 Judges of Their Own Election and Qualification - Quorum
Each house judges the election and qualifications of its members, and a majority is a quorum.
§ 9 Rules of Procedure
Each house determines its own rules and may punish members for disorderly conduct.
§ 10 Election of Officers
Each house elects its own officers.
§ 11 Journal, Publicity of Meetings - Adjournments
Each house keeps a journal, meets openly, and may not adjourn for more than three days without the other's consent.
§ 12 Sessions, When — Duration
The legislature meets in regular session, with the length of sessions limited as provided.
§ 13 Limitation on Members Holding Office in the State
No legislator may hold a civil office created, or whose pay was increased, during their term.
§ 14 Same, Federal or Other Office
No legislator may hold an incompatible federal or other office during their term.
§ 15 Vacancies in Legislature and in Partisan County Elective Office
Vacancies are filled by county appointment from nominees of the political party of the prior officeholder.
§ 16 Privileges from Arrest
Legislators are privileged from arrest during sessions except for serious crimes.
§ 17 Freedom of Debate
Legislators may not be questioned in any other place for words spoken in debate.
§ 18 Style of Laws
The enacting clause of laws is 'Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Washington.'
§ 19 Bill to Contain One Subject
No bill shall embrace more than one subject, which must be expressed in its title.
§ 20 Origin and Amendment of Bills
Bills may originate in either house and be amended by the other.
§ 21 Yeas and Nays
The yeas and nays on final passage of any bill are entered on the journal.
§ 22 Passage of Bills
No bill becomes law without a majority of the members elected to each house, by recorded vote.
§ 23 Compensation of Members
Legislators receive compensation as fixed by law or a salary commission.
§ 24 Lotteries and Divorce
The legislature may not authorize lotteries (with exceptions) or grant divorces.
§ 25 Extra Compensation Prohibited
No extra compensation may be granted to any public officer or contractor after service is rendered.
§ 26 Suits Against the State
The legislature directs the manner in which suits may be brought against the state.
§ 27 Elections — Viva Voce Vote
Elections by the legislature are viva voce (by voice).
§ 28 Special Legislation
The legislature is prohibited from enacting private or special laws in enumerated cases.
§ 29 Convict Labor
Regulates and restricts the labor of convicts.
§ 30 Bribery or Corrupt Solicitation
Bribery or corrupt solicitation of officers is a crime, and offenders are disqualified from office.
§ 31 Laws, When to Take Effect
Laws take effect ninety days after adjournment unless otherwise provided or declared an emergency.
§ 32 Laws, How Signed
Bills that pass are signed by the presiding officers of each house.
§ 33 Alien Ownership
Addresses the ownership of land by aliens (as amended).
§ 34 Bureau of Statistics, Agriculture and Immigration
Authorizes a bureau of statistics, agriculture, and immigration.
§ 35 Protection of Employees
The legislature shall pass laws for the protection of persons working in dangerous employments.
§ 36 When Bills Must be Introduced
Sets deadlines for the introduction of bills in a session.
§ 37 Revision or Amendment
No law is revised or amended by mere reference to its title; the amended section is set forth in full.
§ 38 Limitation on Amendments
No amendment to a bill on its final passage may change its scope and object.
§ 39 Free Transportation to Public Officer Prohibited
Public officers may not accept free transportation from common carriers.
§ 40 Highway Funds
Motor vehicle fuel taxes and license fees are dedicated to highway purposes.
§ 41 Laws, Effective Date, Initiative, Referendum — Amendment or Repeal
Restricts amendment or repeal of initiatives within two years except by a two-thirds vote.
§ 42 Governmental Continuity During Emergency Periods
Provides for continuity of government during emergencies caused by enemy attack.
§ 43 Redistricting
A bipartisan redistricting commission establishes legislative and congressional districts after each census.
Article III The Executive
§ 1 Executive Department
The executive department consists of the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, and commissioner of public lands.
§ 2 Governor, Term of Office
The supreme executive power is vested in the governor, who serves a four-year term.
§ 3 Other Executive Officers, Terms of Office
The other executive officers are elected to four-year terms.
§ 4 Returns of Elections, Canvass, Etc.
Returns of executive elections are canvassed and results determined as provided.
§ 5 General Duties of Governor
The governor sees that the laws are faithfully executed.
§ 6 Messages
The governor reports to the legislature on the condition of the state and recommends measures.
§ 7 Extra Legislative Sessions
The governor may convene the legislature in special session.
§ 8 Commander-in-Chief
The governor is commander-in-chief of the state's military forces except when called into federal service.
§ 9 Pardoning Power
The governor may grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations, subject to regulations set by law.
§ 10 Vacancy in Office of Governor
Provides for succession to the office of governor upon vacancy or disability.
§ 11 Remission of Fines and Forfeitures
The governor may remit fines and forfeitures under regulations prescribed by law.
§ 12 Veto Powers
The governor may veto bills and line-item veto appropriations; the legislature may override by a two-thirds vote.
§ 13 Vacancy in Appointive Office
The governor fills vacancies in appointive offices as provided.
§ 14 Salary
The governor receives a salary fixed by law that may not be diminished during the term.
§ 15 Commissions, How Issued
Commissions issue in the name of the state and are signed by the governor.
§ 16 Lieutenant Governor, Duties and Salary
The lieutenant governor presides over the senate and acts as governor when required.
§ 17 Secretary of State, Duties and Salary
The secretary of state keeps records and performs the duties prescribed by law.
§ 18 Seal
The secretary of state keeps the seal of the state.
§ 19 State Treasurer, Duties and Salary
The state treasurer performs the fiscal duties prescribed by law.
§ 20 State Auditor, Duties and Salary
The state auditor audits the accounts of state officers.
§ 21 Attorney General, Duties and Salary
The attorney general is the legal adviser of state officers.
§ 22 Superintendent of Public Instruction, Duties and Salary
The superintendent of public instruction supervises matters pertaining to public schools.
§ 23 Commissioner of Public Lands — Compensation
The commissioner of public lands administers state lands and receives compensation fixed by law.
§ 24 Records, Where Kept, Etc.
Executive officers keep their records at the seat of government.
§ 25 Qualifications, Compensation, Offices Which May Be Abolished
Sets qualifications and compensation of executive officers, some of whose offices the legislature may abolish.
Article IV The Judiciary
§ 1 Judicial Power, Where Vested
The judicial power is vested in a supreme court, superior courts, justices of the peace, and such inferior courts as the legislature provides.
§ 2 Supreme Court
The supreme court consists of the number of judges provided by law and has appellate and original jurisdiction.
§ 2(a) Temporary Performance of Judicial Duties
Retired or other judges may be temporarily called to perform judicial duties.
§ 3 Election and Terms of Supreme Court Judges
Supreme court judges are elected to six-year terms.
§ 3(a) Retirement of Supreme Court and Superior Court Judges
Provides for the retirement of supreme and superior court judges.
§ 4 Jurisdiction
Defines the jurisdiction of the supreme court, including issuance of writs.
§ 5 Superior Court — Election of Judges, Terms of, Etc.
Superior court judges are elected by county to four-year terms.
§ 6 Jurisdiction of Superior Courts
Superior courts have original jurisdiction in all cases not otherwise provided for.
§ 7 Exchange of Judges — Judge Pro Tempore
Judges may hold court for one another, and parties may agree on a judge pro tempore.
§ 8 Absence of Judicial Officer
Provides for the absence or inability of a judicial officer.
§ 9 Removal of Judges, Attorney General, Etc.
Judges and other officers may be removed by joint resolution of the legislature for cause.
§ 10 Justices of the Peace
Provides for justices of the peace and their jurisdiction (largely superseded by district courts).
§ 11 Courts of Record
Designates which courts are courts of record.
§ 12 Inferior Courts
The legislature may establish inferior courts.
§ 13 Salaries of Judicial Officers — How Paid, Etc.
Judicial salaries are paid from public funds as provided.
§ 14 Salaries of Supreme and Superior Court Judges
Sets the manner of fixing salaries of supreme and superior court judges.
§ 15 Ineligibility of Judges
Judges are ineligible to hold other office during their term.
§ 16 Charging Juries
Judges may not charge juries on matters of fact but only declare the law.
§ 17 Eligibility of Judges
Sets the qualifications required to be a judge.
§ 18 Supreme Court Reporter
Provides for a reporter of supreme court decisions.
§ 19 Judges May Not Practice Law
Judges may not practice law during their continuance in office.
§ 20 Decisions, When to be Made
Causes must be decided within a set time after submission.
§ 21 Publication of Opinions
Supreme court opinions are published.
§ 22 Clerk of the Supreme Court
Provides for a clerk of the supreme court.
§ 23 Court Commissioners
Superior courts may appoint court commissioners.
§ 24 Rules for Superior Courts
Judges of the superior courts adopt rules of procedure.
§ 25 Reports of Superior Court Judges
Superior court judges report on the business of their courts.
§ 26 Clerk of the Superior Court
Each county has an elected clerk of the superior court.
§ 27 Style of Process
The style of all court process is 'The State of Washington.'
§ 28 Oath of Judges
Judges take an oath to support the constitutions and faithfully perform their duties.
§ 29 Election of Superior Court Judges
Provides the manner of electing superior court judges.
§ 30 Court of Appeals
Authorizes an intermediate court of appeals.
§ 31 Commission on Judicial Conduct
A Commission on Judicial Conduct investigates and recommends discipline, suspension, retirement, or removal of judges.
Article V Impeachment
§ 1 Impeachment - Power of and Procedure
The House of Representatives has the sole power of impeachment, requiring a majority of members elected.
§ 2 Officers Liable To
The governor and other state and judicial officers are liable to impeachment for high crimes, misdemeanors, or malfeasance in office.
§ 3 Removal from Office
Impeachments are tried by the Senate, and conviction removes the officer, subject to further criminal prosecution.
Article VI Elections and Elective Rights
§ 1 Qualifications of Electors
U.S. citizens 18 or older who meet residency and registration requirements are qualified electors.
§ 1A Voter Qualifications for Presidential Elections
Provides voting qualifications for presidential and vice-presidential elections for recent arrivals or departing residents.
§ 2 School Elections — Franchise, How Extended
Addresses the extension of the franchise in school elections.
§ 3 Who Disqualified
Persons convicted of infamous crimes or judged mentally incompetent are disqualified from voting unless restored.
§ 4 Residence, Contingencies Affecting
Being stationed for military, official, or student purposes neither gains nor loses residence for voting.
§ 5 Voter, When Privileged from Arrest
Voters are privileged from arrest while attending, going to, or returning from elections, except for serious crimes.
§ 6 Ballot
All elections are by secret ballot.
§ 7 Registration
The legislature provides for the registration of voters.
§ 8 Elections, Time of Holding
General elections are held on the times fixed by law.
Article VII Revenue and Taxation
§ 1 Taxation
All taxes must be uniform upon the same class of property, and property is taxed in proportion to its value.
§ 2 Limitation on Levies
Limits the aggregate regular property tax levy to one percent of true and fair value, with exceptions.
§ 3 Taxation of Federal Agencies and Property
Property of the United States is exempt from state taxation as required by federal law.
§ 4 No Surrender of Power or Suspension of Tax on Corporate Property
The power to tax corporate property may not be surrendered or suspended by contract.
§ 5 Taxes, How Levied
No tax is levied except by law, stating distinctly its object, to which alone it is applied.
§ 6 Taxes, How Paid
Taxes are collected only in lawful money.
§ 7 Annual Statement
An accurate statement of public receipts and expenditures is published annually.
§ 8 Tax to Cover Deficiencies
The legislature provides taxes sufficient to cover any deficiency in revenue.
§ 9 Special Assessments or Taxation for Local Improvements
The legislature may authorize local governments to make local improvements by special assessment.
§ 10 Retired Persons Property Tax Exemption
Authorizes property tax relief for qualifying retired persons.
§ 11 Taxation Based on Actual Use
Permits assessment of certain lands (farm, timber, open space) based on current use rather than highest use.
§ 12 Budget Stabilization Account
Establishes a budget stabilization (rainy-day) account funded from general state revenues.
Article VIII State, County, and Municipal Indebtedness
§ 1 State Debt
Limits the debt the state may contract, generally requiring it to stay within a percentage of average revenues.
§ 2 Powers Extended in Certain Cases
Permits additional state debt to meet casual deficits, repel invasion, or suppress insurrection.
§ 3 Special Indebtedness, How Authorized
Debt beyond the limit requires authorization by law and approval of the voters.
§ 4 Moneys Disbursed Only by Appropriations
No money is paid from the treasury except by appropriation made by law.
§ 5 Credit Not to be Loaned
The state may not give or loan its credit to any individual, association, or corporation.
§ 6 Limitations upon Municipal Indebtedness
Limits the debt counties, cities, and other municipalities may incur without voter approval.
§ 7 Credit Not to be Loaned
No county, city, or municipality may give or loan its credit to any private party.
§ 8 Port Expenditures — Industrial Development — Promotion
Authorizes port districts to spend for industrial development and trade promotion.
§ 9 State Building Authority
Permits a state building authority to finance and construct public buildings.
§ 10 Energy, Water, or Stormwater or Sewer Services Conservation Assistance
Authorizes public utilities and local governments to assist customers with conservation improvements.
§ 11 Agricultural Commodity Assessments — Development, Promotion, and Hosting
Permits agricultural commodity assessments to fund development, promotion, and hosting activities.
Article IX Education
§ 1 Paramount Duty of State
It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders.
§ 2 Public School System
The legislature shall provide for a general and uniform system of public schools.
§ 3 Funds for Support
Establishes the common school fund and dedicates its proceeds to public schools.
§ 4 Sectarian Control or Influence Prohibited
Public schools shall be free from sectarian control or influence.
§ 5 Loss of Permanent Fund to Become State Debt
Any loss of the permanent school fund becomes a debt owed by the state to that fund.
Article X Militia
§ 1 Who Liable to Military Duty
All able-bodied male citizens (as provided by law) are subject to militia duty, with authorized exemptions.
§ 2 Organization, Discipline, Officers, Power to Call Out
The legislature provides for organizing and disciplining the militia, and the governor may call it out.
§ 3 Soldiers' Home
Authorizes a soldiers' home for veterans.
§ 4 Public Arms
Provides for the safekeeping of public arms.
§ 5 Privilege from Arrest
Militia members are privileged from arrest while on duty, except for serious crimes.
§ 6 Exemption from Military Duty
Persons conscientiously opposed to bearing arms are exempt from military duty as provided.
Article XI County, City, and Township Organization
§ 1 Existing Counties Recognized
Existing counties are recognized as legal subdivisions of the state.
§ 2 County Seats — Location and Removal
Provides the procedure and voter approval for locating and removing county seats.
§ 3 New Counties
Sets requirements for creating new counties or changing county lines.
§ 4 County Government and Township Organization
The legislature establishes a uniform system of county government and may permit township organization.
§ 5 County Government
Provides for the election and duties of county officers, and permits home-rule charters.
§ 6 Vacancies in Township, Precinct or Road District Office
Provides for filling vacancies in township, precinct, and road district offices.
§ 7 Tenure of Office Limited to Two Terms
Limits certain county officers to two consecutive terms (as originally adopted).
§ 8 Salaries and Limitations Affecting
Regulates the salaries of county and municipal officers and changes during a term.
§ 9 State Taxes Not to be Released or Commuted
No obligation for state taxes shall be released or commuted.
§ 10 Incorporation of Municipalities
Cities and towns are incorporated under general laws and larger cities may adopt home-rule charters.
§ 11 Police and Sanitary Regulations
Local governments may make and enforce police, sanitary, and other regulations not conflicting with general law.
§ 12 Assessment and Collection of Taxes in Municipalities
The legislature may not impose taxes on municipalities for local purposes but may authorize them to assess and collect their own.
§ 13 Private Property, When May be Taken for Public Debt
Restricts taking private property to pay corporate or municipal debt.
§ 14 Private Use of Public Funds Prohibited
The use of public funds or property for private benefit is prohibited.
§ 15 Deposit of Public Funds
Provides for the safe deposit of public funds.
§ 16 Combined City-County
Authorizes the formation of a combined city and county government by charter.
Article XII Corporations Other Than Municipal
§ 1 Corporations, How Formed
Corporations are formed under general laws, which may be amended or repealed.
§ 2 Existing Charters
Charters not organized under within a set time become void.
§ 3 Existing Charters Not to be Extended nor Forfeiture Remitted
The legislature may not extend existing charters or remit a forfeiture.
§ 4 Liability of Stockholders
Sets the liability of corporate stockholders.
§ 5 Term 'Corporation,' Defined — Right to Sue and be Sued
Defines 'corporation' and provides that corporations may sue and be sued.
§ 6 Limitations upon Issuance of Stock
Corporations may issue stock only for money, labor, or property actually received.
§ 7 Foreign Corporations
Foreign corporations doing business in the state are subject to the same regulation as domestic ones.
§ 8 Alienation of Franchise Not to Release Liabilities
Transfer of a franchise does not release the corporation's liabilities.
§ 9 State Not to Loan Its Credit or Subscribe for Stock
The state may not loan its credit to or subscribe for stock in any corporation.
§ 10 Eminent Domain Affecting
Corporations exercising eminent domain must make just compensation.
§ 11 Stockholder Liability
Addresses the individual liability of stockholders in specified circumstances.
§ 12 Receiving Deposits by Bank After Insolvency
Prohibits banks from receiving deposits after becoming insolvent.
§ 13 Common Carriers, Regulation of
Common carriers are subject to legislative regulation.
§ 14 Prohibition Against Combinations by Carriers
Combinations among carriers to fix rates or restrain competition are prohibited.
§ 15 Prohibition Against Discriminating Charges
Discriminatory charges by carriers and other businesses are prohibited.
§ 16 Prohibition Against Consolidating of Competing Lines
Consolidation of competing railroad or transportation lines is prohibited.
§ 17 Rolling Stock, Personalty for Purpose of Taxation
Railroad rolling stock is personal property for taxation purposes.
§ 18 Rates for Transportation
The legislature may regulate rates charged for transportation.
§ 19 Telegraph and Telephone Companies
Telegraph and telephone companies are regulated as common carriers.
§ 20 Prohibition Against Free Transportation for Public Officers
Public officers may not accept free transportation from carriers.
§ 21 Express Companies
Regulates express companies operating in the state.
§ 22 Monopolies and Trusts
Monopolies and trusts are prohibited, and the legislature enacts laws to prevent them.
Article XIII State Institutions
§ 1 Educational, Reformatory, and Penal Institutions
Educational, reformatory, and penal institutions of the state are established, supported, and controlled as provided by law.
Article XIV Seat of Government
§ 1 State Capital, Location of
The permanent seat of government is located by a vote of the people.
§ 2 Change of State Capital
The location of the state capital may be changed only by a vote of the people.
§ 3 Restrictions on Appropriations for Capitol Buildings
Restricts appropriations for capitol buildings until the permanent seat of government is established.
Article XV Harbors and Tide Waters
§ 1 Harbor Line Commission and Restraint on Disposition
A harbor line commission establishes harbor lines, and the state may not dispose of harbor areas beyond them.
§ 2 Leasing and Maintenance of Wharves, Docks, Etc.
The state may lease and provide for the maintenance of wharves, docks, and other harbor improvements.
§ 3 Extension of Streets over Tide Lands
Provides for the extension of streets over tide lands to navigable waters.
Article XVI School and Granted Lands
§ 1 Disposition of
State school and granted lands are held in trust and may be disposed of only for their granted purposes.
§ 2 Manner and Terms of Sale
Sets the manner and terms of the sale of school and granted lands.
§ 3 Limitations on Sales
Limits how much and at what minimum price such lands may be sold.
§ 4 How Much May be Offered in Certain Cases — Platting of
Restricts the amount offered and provides for platting of lands near cities.
§ 5 Investment of Permanent Common School Fund
Provides for the investment of the permanent common school fund.
§ 6 Investment of Higher Education Permanent Funds
Provides for the investment of higher education permanent funds.
Article XVII Tide Lands
§ 1 Declaration of State Ownership
The state asserts ownership of the beds and shores of navigable waters up to the line of ordinary high tide.
§ 2 Disclaimer of Certain Lands
The state disclaims lands validly held under prior grants and rights.
Article XVIII State Seal
§ 1 Seal of the State
Prescribes the design of the seal of the State of Washington.
Article XIX Exemptions
§ 1 Exemptions — Homesteads, Etc.
The legislature shall protect by law a reasonable amount of property as a homestead exemption.
Article XX Public Health and Vital Statistics
§ 1 Board of Health and Bureau of Vital Statistics
The legislature shall establish a state board of health and a bureau of vital statistics.
§ 2 Regulations Concerning Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy
The legislature regulates the practice of medicine, surgery, and pharmacy.
Article XXI Water and Water Rights
§ 1 Public Use of Water
The use of the waters of the state for irrigation, mining, and manufacturing is declared a public use.
Article XXII Legislative Apportionment
§ 1 Senatorial Apportionment
The original apportionment of senatorial districts (now superseded by later redistricting).
§ 2 Apportionment of Representatives
The original apportionment of representative districts (now superseded by later redistricting).
Article XXIII Amendments
§ 1 How Made
Amendments proposed by a two-thirds vote of each house are submitted to the voters and take effect if approved by a majority.
§ 2 Constitutional Conventions
A constitutional convention may be called by a two-thirds vote of each house with approval of the voters.
§ 3 Submission to the People
Proposed revisions from a convention are submitted to the people for ratification.
Article XXIV Boundaries
§ 1 State Boundaries
Defines the boundaries of the State of Washington.
Article XXV Jurisdiction
§ 1 Authority of the United States
The state consents to the jurisdiction of the United States over lands acquired for federal purposes.
Article XXVI Compact with the United States
§ — Ordinance provisions
An irrevocable ordinance guaranteeing religious freedom, disclaiming unappropriated public lands and Indian lands, agreeing not to tax federal property, and providing for a system of nonsectarian public schools — accepted as a condition of statehood.
Article XXVII Schedule
§ 1-19 Transitional provisions
Transitional provisions saving existing rights, actions, and contracts; continuing territorial laws and officers; transferring court causes and records; and providing for the ratification election and the Constitution's effective date. Largely spent.
Article XXVIII Compensation of State Officers
§ 1 Salaries for Legislature, Elected State Officials, and Judges
An independent citizens' commission on salaries fixes the compensation of legislators, elected state officials, and judges.
Article XXIX Investments of Public Pension and Retirement Funds
§ 1 May be Invested as Authorized by Law
Public pension and retirement funds may be invested as authorized by law, including in private stocks.
Article XXX Compensation of Public Officers
§ 1 Compensation of Public Officers
Permits the compensation of public officers to be increased during their term of office where not otherwise prohibited.
Article XXXI Sex Equality — Rights and Responsibilities
§ 1 Equality Not Denied Because of Sex
Equality of rights and responsibility under the law shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex.
§ 2 Enforcement Power of Legislature
The legislature has the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Article XXXII Special Revenue Financing
§ 1 Special Revenue Financing
Authorizes special revenue financing arrangements that do not pledge the general credit of the state.
Full, verbatim text at WA Legislature