Ban on SSB Taxes Passes in Washington, Fails in Oregon

Washington voters have reportedly approved a ballot measure that will prevent the state legislature from implementing a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). The measure will not repeal Seattle’s tax but will prevent other local governments within the state from imposing new SSB taxes. A similar initiative in Oregon failed to pass; critics of the measure reportedly argued that the language could be broadly construed to apply beyond groceries to food served in restaurants.