The Week Ahead
(January 20, 2024)

WSLCB - Identification Reform - McLovin - This is Fine

Three of eight cannabis-related bills were scheduled for activity in the second week of session, while WSLCB considered liberalizing acceptable forms of identification for the alcohol sector.

Here’s a look at cannabis-related policymaking events on the calendar in the week ahead.

Monday January 20th

The State of Washington recognizes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Tuesday January 21st

WSLCB - Focus Group - Identification Reform

On Tuesday at 9am PT, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) staff planned to host a focus group on the Identification Reform rulemaking project.

  • [ Event Details, Rulemaking Project ]
  • While earlier presented as potentially modifying rules around “forms of identification acceptable to verify a person’s age” for all sectors regulated by the WSLCB, the draft rules would only liberalize language in the alcohol codes to allow retailers to accept certain documents from any “foreign government” where previously that privilege was reserved for Canadian citizens.
  • Cannabis rules in WAC 314-55-150 remained untouched in the draft and consistent with current alcohol codes regarding acceptance of a “Driver's license, instruction permit, or identification card of any…province of Canada.”
  • At publication time, youth access compliance rates for cannabis retailers remained at levels far surpassing all other sectors regulated by the WSLCB as tested by an Enforcement and Education program utilizing undercover youth operatives.

WSLCB - Board Caucus

On Tuesday at 10am PT, the weekly Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) Board Caucus was scheduled to recur.

  • [ Event Details ]
  • On Tuesday January 14th, new Board Member Pete Holmes joined a call of the WSLCB Board for the first time.
    • Circumstances surrounding his appointment during the gubernatorial transition were clarified by an update to Governor Ferguson’s revised website on Friday showing Holmes had been reappointed on Thursday January 16th and was slated to serve through 2031.
  • On Tuesday, members would hear an update from Director of Legislative Affairs Marc Webster.

WA House CPB - Committee Meeting

On Tuesday at 1:30pm PT, the Washington State House Consumer Protection and Business Committee (WA House CPB) was scheduled to convene.

  • [ Event Details ]
  • Executive Session
    • HB 1066 - WSLCB Data Dashboard
      • On Tuesday January 14th, WA House CPB members hosted a public hearing on Representative Kristine Reeves’ bill as returned from the 2024 regular session.  Cannabis sector, public health, and prevention interests were unified in their support for more transparent reporting of data collected by the WSLCB and other agencies.

WA House CS - Committee Meeting

On Tuesday at 4pm PT, the Washington State House Community Safety Committee (WA House CS) was scheduled to convene.

Wednesday January 22nd

WA House LAWS - Committee Meeting

On Wednesday at 8am PT, the Washington State House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee (WA House LAWS) was scheduled to convene.

WA House CPB - Committee Meeting

On Wednesday at 1:30pm PT, the Washington State House Consumer Protection and Business Committee (WA House CPB) was scheduled to convene.

Thursday January 23rd

WSLCB - Focus Group - Identification Reform

On Thursday at 1pm PT, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) staff planned to host a second focus group on the Identification Reform rulemaking project.

Friday January 24th

WA Pharmacy Commission - Legislative Review

On Friday at 12pm PT, the weekly Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (WA Pharmacy Commission) Legislative Review was scheduled to recur.