The Washington State Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) works to make state government operations more effective, efficient, and accountable. The Committee is comprised of an equal number of House and Senate members, Democrats and Republicans. JLARC pursues its mission by conducting performance audits, program evaluations, sunset reviews, and other analyses. Assignments to conduct studies are made by the Legislature and the Committee itself. Based on these assignments, JLARC’s non-partisan research analysts, under the direction of the Legislative Auditor, independently seek answers to audit questions and issue recommendations to improve performance.
Washington State Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee
(JLARC)
Public
Structural Relationships
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Washington State Legislature
(WA Legislature) -
Washington State Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee
(JLARC) -
Washington State Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee
(JLARC I-900 Subcommittee)
Observations
The Week Ahead
(June 2, 2025)
While WACA conferees fêted, the WSLCB Board would undertake significant rulemaking and policy shifts; and public health and prevention interests would reconsider strategy.
WSLCB - Executive Management Team
(May 14, 2025) - Summary
Discussion between the board and staff touched on a cannabis market study, future agency request legislation, social equity, licensing delays, research data, and legislative implementation.
JLARC - Committee Meeting
(May 14, 2025) - Cannabis Market Study
A preliminary finding by JLARC staff of overproduction of licensed cannabis led to many questions from lawmakers on topics like traceability, consumption trends, and enforcement.
The Week Ahead
(May 12, 2025)
The Governor planned to sign legislation proscribing cannabis retail financial interests and JLARC would hear a report documenting oversupply of cannabis markets in Washington.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 11, 2025)
Retail advertising concerns drew out public health and prevention representatives, two new bills were staged for introduction, and legislation to clarify authority over testing labs may be moved on Tuesday.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(January 7, 2025) - Data Dashboards
Two newly released data dashboards on cannabis use and revenue were highlighted by staff who explained their process, potential uses, and agency leaders’ plans for future dashboards.
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee - Public Hearing
(November 6, 2024) - Oversight of the Cannabis Industry
WSLCB leaders offered reasons why the State Auditor’s 2018 traceability and project management recommendations hadn’t been implemented before facing critical public testimony.
The Week Ahead
(November 4, 2024)
WSLCB staff planned to delay action on three rulemaking projects before being publicly called to account for a follow-up State performance audit on cannabis traceability and enforcement.
WA House RSG - Committee Meeting
(September 17, 2024) - WSP Update
A panel from the State Patrol reviewed their work supporting local law enforcement to identify and undermine criminal organizations growing cannabis in Washington.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(April 23, 2024) - Summary
Cannabis rulemaking was reviewed, including specifics on implementing a patient excise tax exemption at endorsed stores, and a new survey of social equity program applicants.