Tim Eyman's latest effort to limit Washington lawmakers' ability to raise taxes was passing in early election returns, as was a measure that would outlaw sales related to wildlife trafficking of items from animals like lions and tigers.

Initiative 1366 would decrease the 6.5 percent state sales tax to 5.5 percent unless the Legislature approves a constitutional amendment to reinstate a two-thirds legislative majority requirement. The measure was passing in most counties across the state -- including Yakima -- but trailed in King County.

With 57 percent of the state's precincts reporting Tuesday night, I-1366 was winning 54 percent to 46 percent.

Initiative 1401, meantime, which would ban the purchase, sale and distribution of parts or products made from 10 endangered animals was passing 71 percent to 29 percent statewide. Offenders could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine under the measure.

In another noteworthy outcome, Tacoma voters have decided to raise the city's minimum wage to $12 per hour.

The News Tribune reports that city voters overwhelmingly chose the $12 figure, to be phased in over two years, over an option that would've raised the minimum pay to $15 an hour immediately.

The state minimum wage is $9.47. The first step toward the new Tacoma figure will be $10.35, starting Feb. 1.

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