4 initiative drives could turn in signatures next week

OLYMPIA – Washington voters could decide initiatives on gun safety, soda taxes, pollution fees and open public employee negotiations on the November ballot.

The secretary of state’s office said Monday it had been notified by sponsors of four ballot measures currently circulating petitions that they plan to turn in signatures next week before the July 6 deadline. The initiatives are:

• I-1608, requiring contract negotiations between state and local governments and their employee unions to be open to the public.
• I-1631, requiring fees to be placed on companies that produce greenhouse gases, with the money raised being spent to reduce pollution.
• I-1634, which would keep local governments from placing new taxes, or raising existing taxes on food or beverages, including soda.
• I-1639, requiring background checks, firearm training, waiting periods for the purchase of a semiautomatic assault rifle, a minimum age of 21 for purchasing certain guns and secure storage of firearms in the home.

An initiative needs at least 259,622 valid signatures from registered voters to be placed on the November ballot. The state Elections Division recommends sponsors submit at least 325,000 to allow for disqualified signatures.