Washington § 52.18.050 - Voter approval of benefit charges required — Election — Ballot.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 52.18.050 — Voter approval of benefit charges required — Election — Ballot., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 52.18.050. Voter approval of benefit charges required — Election — Ballot.

(1)(a) The initial imposition of a benefit charge authorized by this chapter must be approved by not less than sixty percent of the voters of the district voting at a general election or at a special election called by the district for that purpose.
(b) An election held for the initial imposition of a benefit charge must be held not more than twelve months prior to the date on which the first charge is to be assessed.
(c) A benefit charge approved at an election expires in six or fewer years as authorized by the voters unless subsequently reapproved by the voters.
(2) Ballot measures calling for the initial imposition of a benefit charge must be submitted so as to enable voters favoring the authorization of a benefit charge to vote "Yes" and those opposed to vote "No," and the ballot question must be as follows:
"Shall . . . . . . county fire protection district No. . . . . be authorized to impose benefit charges each year for . . . . (insert number of years not to exceed six) years, not to exceed an amount equal to sixty percent of its operating budget, and be prohibited from imposing an additional property tax under RCW 52.16.160?
YES
NO
□
□"
(3)(a) The continued imposition of a benefit charge authorized by this chapter may be approved for six consecutive years, ten consecutive years, or permanently.
A ballot measure calling for the continued imposition of a benefit charge for six consecutive years or ten consecutive years must be approved by a majority of the voters of the district voting at a general election or at a special election called by the district for that purpose.
A ballot measure calling for the continued imposition of a benefit charge as a permanent benefit charge must be approved by not less than sixty percent of the voters of the district voting at a general election or at a special election called by the district for that purpose.
(b) Ballot measures calling for the continued imposition of a benefit charge must be submitted so as to enable voters favoring the continued imposition of the benefit charge to vote "Yes" and those opposed to vote "No." The ballot question must be substantially in the following form:
"Shall . . . . . . county fire protection district No. . . . . be authorized to continue voter-authorized benefit charges. . . . . (insert "each year for six consecutive years," "each year for ten consecutive years," or "permanently"), not to exceed an amount equal to sixty percent of its operating budget, and be prohibited from imposing an additional property tax under RCW 52.16.160?
YES
NO
□
□"
[ 2020 c 99 s 1; 2017 c 196 s 4; 2013 c 49 s 1; 1998 c 16 s 2; 1990 c 294 s 5; 1989 c 27 s 1; 1987 c 325 s 5; 1974 ex.s. c 126 s 5.]

Notes

Effective date—2017 c 196 ss 1-9, 11, 13, and 14: See note following RCW 52.26.220.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 52.18.050

What does Revised Code of Washington § 52.18.050 cover?

Section 52.18.050 ("Voter approval of benefit charges required — Election — Ballot.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 52.18.050?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 52.18.050" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 52.18.050 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.