Become part of the movement for unbiased, accessible election information. Donate today.
Washington Defense to Assault Charges Initiative (2016)
| Washington Defense to Assault Charges Initiative | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Initiated state statute |
| Origin | Citizens |
| Topic | Law enforcement |
| Status | Not on the ballot |
| Not on Ballot |
|---|
 |
| This measure was not put on an election ballot |
The Defense to Assault Charges Initiative was an initiated state statute proposed for the Washington ballot on November 8, 2016. Signatures were not filed by December 31, 2015, and the initiative did not appear on the ballot.
The measure would have given a defense to assault charges pressed against someone for slapping another person who touched their "buttocks, thighs, genitals, or breasts."[1]
Text of measure
Ballot title
The ballot title was as follows:[1]
| “ | Initiative Measure No. 743 concerns assault.
This measure would create an affirmative defense to assault charges if someone reasonably believes their buttocks, thighs, genitals, or breasts were touched in an unwanted manner, and they slap the other person’s face. Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes [ ] No [ ][2] |
” |
Ballot summary
The ballot summary was as follows:[1]
| “ | This measure would create an affirmative defense to a charge of assault for giving one or two slaps to the face of a person who is reasonably believed to have touched one’s buttocks, upper thighs, genitals, or breasts in an unwanted manner. The slap must be openhanded, without intent to knock the person to the ground, and without breaking bones or damaging vision. The slap must be aimed at the cheeks, not noses or eyes.[2] | ” |
Full text
The full text can be found here.
Path to the ballot
Supporters were required to submit at least 246,372 valid signatures. If certified, initiatives to the legislature would have been sent to the state House and Senate for consideration. The Legislature would have chosen whether to enact the measure, send it to the 2016 ballot alone, or send it to the ballot alongside an alternative proposition.
See also
Footnotes
 |
State of Washington Olympia (capital) |
|---|---|
| Elections |
What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2025 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures |
| Government |
Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy |
