An income tax that passed Washington's Legislature last night will likely face several challenges — both legal and political — before it can be collected.

Why it matters: State court rulings have interpreted Washington's constitution to bar income taxes that target the wealthy, and Washington voters have repeatedly shot down income tax proposals at the ballot box.

The latest: The measure that cleared the state Senate yesterday would impose a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million per year, starting in 2028.

• Senate Bill 6346, which supporters call a tax on millionaires, now heads to Gov. Bob Ferguson, who has said he plans to sign it into law.

State of play: A 1933 state Supreme Court decision struck down a voter-approved income tax that targeted high earners.

• But Democrats who control Washington's Legislature hope that the state Supreme Court will overturn that 1933 ruling and let the new income tax stand.

Catch up quick: In the 1933 ruling, the state Supreme Court held that income is property. And under Washington's constitution, property must be taxed at a uniform rate.

• A later court ruling found cities could impose a flat income tax — but not one that taxes wealthy residents at higher rates.

What they're saying: That history led many Republican lawmakers to argue the income tax is unconstitutional and urge its rejection.

• The plan would "upend existing state law," state Rep. Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) said during a House floor debate earlier this week.

The other side: Democratic leaders argue the 1933 court case is ripe for revisiting.

• "It was a single Supreme Court case from before anybody in this room was alive, on a five-to-four decision that said that income was property," state House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Seattle) told reporters last month.
• He added that "no other state in the union, nor the federal government" has reached the same conclusion.

Yes, but: The courts are not the only hurdle the income tax will have to overcome. A ballot measure is likely to be filed to repeal the tax, sending the issue to voters, state Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle) told Axios earlier this year.

• Washington voters have rejected income taxes 10 times since the 1930s — most recently in 2010.

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Ever eaten nachos out of a ferry?

What's happening: T-Mobile Park plans to serve ballpark food in a miniature version of a Washington state ferry during the upcoming baseball season.

• The souvenir vessel is meant to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Washington State Ferries, as well as the Mariners' 50th season.

Zoom in: Baseball fans will have the option of loading up their tiny ferry with crab nachos, wonton chips, chicken tenders, fish and chips, or a variety of fries.

• There are built-in dip holders at the bow and stern.
• And yes — the boat is seaworthy, or at least it won't sink in the bathtub.

"As Mariners, we know how important it is for boats to float, so we made sure to do adequate testing on the design," Mariners spokesperson Adam Gresch wrote in an email to Axios.

By the numbers: The ferry bowl costs an extra $8.

What's next: Opening Day at T-Mobile Park is March 26, when the Mariners play the Cleveland Guardians.

☕️ Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is moving from Seattle to Florida.

• Schultz wrote in a LinkedIn post that he hopes Washington "will remain a place for business and entrepreneurship to thrive." (CBS)

🚧 The northbound lanes of the 1st Avenue South Bridge will stay closed through at least Friday after inspectors found more extensive damage than expected. (KIRO 7)

🏈 The Seahawks re-signed wide receiver Rashid Shaheed to a three-year deal and also brought back linebacker Drake Thomas. (MyNorthwest)

Washington's measles outbreak — with 26 confirmed cases so far this year — is likely to worsen before summer is over, local infectious disease experts say.

Why it matters: Washington has already recorded more than twice as many measles cases in 2026 as it did all of last year, according to the state Department of Health (DOH).

State of play: Measles, one of the most contagious diseases worldwide, was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but cases are surging again nationwide, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Threat level: People can spread measles days before the telltale rash appears — when symptoms may resemble a common cold — and remain contagious for more than a week, said Shireesha Dhanireddy of UW Medicine at a news conference yesterday.

• The virus can also cause "immune amnesia," wiping out immune memory for two to three years after infection and leaving patients more vulnerable to illnesses, said Alex Greninger, head of infectious disease diagnostics at UW Medicine.

What they're saying: "Even in the short run right now, I would expect it to get a little bit worse," said Greninger, pointing to the upcoming cruise season, summer travel and the World Cup.

By the numbers: 24 of Washington's cases are in unvaccinated people, while the vaccination status of two is unknown, per the state Department of Health (DOH).

• 16 cases are in children ages 5–17, with four more in kids under 5.
• Among unvaccinated children, nine out of 10 will contract the infection if exposed, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

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