WA Legislature - Update
(March 21, 2025)

Wrapping up a low-attention week for cannabis bills, senators planned to advance patient data sharing legislation without a hearing as well as the appointment confirmations of two WSLCB board members.

Here are some observations of the Washington State Legislature (WA Legislature) for Friday March 21st, the 68th day of the 2025 regular session.

My top 2 takeaways:

• There were no introductions of cannabis-related legislation on Thursday, and none staged for Friday.
  • The draft introduction reports in the House and the Senate for Friday March 21st did not appear to include any cannabis-related legislation.

• On Friday, members of the Washington State Senate Labor and Commerce Committee (WA Senate LC) planned to advance Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) request legislation and vote on recommending confirmation of two agency board members.
  • 8am: WA Senate LC - Committee Meeting [ Event Details ]
    • Executive Session
      • HB 1341 - DOH Patient Data Sharing
        • See the bill text, bill report, and fiscal note for more details.
        • It was likely the intent of committee leadership to advance the bill without a public hearing as the language remained identical to the companion SB 5700 members heard on February 10th.
      • SGA 9188 - Confirmation - Jim Vollendroff
        • On February 21st, WA Senate LC members heard Vollendroff’s opening remarks and had several probing questions regarding the perspective he brought to the agency, his opinion on the board structure, and his willingness to work with legislators.
        • Subsequently, Vollendroff orchestrated an overnight delegation of authority to remake agency public meetings despite significant outcry.  On Tuesday March 18th during the WSLCB Board Caucus, Vollendroff signaled some intent to reconsider the move (audio - 2m, video - TVW) and on Thursday staff announced members had scheduled 30m for a "Board Efficiencies Follow up" conversation during the caucus on Tuesday March 25th.
      • SGA 9203 - Confirmation - Pete Holmes
        • On Friday March 14th during the public hearing on his confirmation, Holmes offered brief opening remarks describing his background and perspectives on the role, indicating he planned to not only reinforce public safety but also support licensed businesses towards success.