Reply #5: Because it is the law [View All]

[TechBear_Seattle]

Most state constitutions have provisions saying that, under normal circumstances, a law will go in to effect some time period after it is signed. In Washington, most new laws do not go into effect until three months after the bill is signed. The exceptions are bills passed by both houses as immediately necessary "emergency legislation" and certain budget bills.

The idea behind the delays is A) to give sufficient time for the new law to be promulgated before it becomes active and thus eliminate the excuse "I didn't know it was illegal" and B) to allow voters the opportunity to hold a referendum on the legislation. (In Washington, emergency legislation is exempt from referendum.)

Edit: fixed window of time between signature and effectiveness.