OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The “millionaires’ tax” bill has sparked one of the longest debates in recent Washington state memory.

The state House began a discussion of roughly 80 proposed amendments to SB 6346 at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 9.

Hours later, members were still debating the amendments.

Gov. Bob Ferguson said he would sign the bill as proposed on Friday, March 13 only if two amendments were passed that added free meals for K-12 students and expanded sales tax exemptions.

House Republicans have pushed for a referendum clause to be added to the bill’s language, which would give voters the power to decide on the bill.

The constitutionality of the bill is another argument Republicans have noted such as Rep. Drew Stokesbary.

“If you say you’re only going to tax people who make a million dollars, then put your money where your mouth is, and put it in the constitution,” the state Representative said Tuesday. “Otherwise, I’m pretty sure, I’m going to be full of shame, and in another few years, we’re going to be hearing about another pie-crust promise, because as we have heard time and time again, a tax on anyone today, is a tax on everyone tomorrow.”

Democrats have a 60% majority in the House, with most of the votes for amendments dividing along party lines in favor of the bill’s passage with Ferguson’s blessing.

The legislative body resumed session after a 15-minute break on Tuesday afternoon, totaling over 23 hours of near-constant debate.

The bill awaits a third hearing before it can leave the House and head to Gov. Ferguson’s desk.