Groups push 3 initiatives toward state ballot, fourth abandoned

OLYMPIA — The three leading initiatives seeking to qualify for this year’s ballot in Washington state look a lot like proposals that voters have previously addressed.

Groups plan to submit signatures Friday for ballot measures that would privatize the state’s liquor sales, limit how the state can set highway tolls and require background checks for long-term-care workers. Sponsors said the initiatives are necessary because of either the action or inaction of the Legislature.

A fourth group abandoned its initiative Thursday that would have required businesses to provide egg-laying hens with more spacious cages. The industry and animal welfare groups have agreed to a national effort on that issue.

Supporters of a marijuana legalization initiative say they don’t appear to have enough signatures.