Washington State Legislature
(WA Legislature)

Task force members recommended expanding the qualifying criteria for the social equity program to include race and opening the technical assistance grant program to current licensees and retail title certificate holders.

Six new relevant bills were introduced in the past week and several were already scheduled to be heard on local authority, social equity, and a cannabis commodity commission.

Advocates learned about Washington's legislative process from a Legislative Information Center staffer including specific steps to track and participate virtually in the 2021 session.

The Washington State Legislature kicked off its 2021 session where home grow was already scheduled to be heard while the WSLCB and SBOH positioned to advocate for their interests.

Board members heard legislative and rulemaking updates as well as mentions of agency coordination with social equity and prevention stakeholders - and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Though not unanimous, the task force voted to focus on anti-Black racism in their operating principles before broadly discussing the equity program and establishing three work groups.

A history of racial discrimination in the American drug war and Washington state’s legal industry was described by a task force member, guest presenter, and commenters from inside and outside the industry.

Alcohol Advisory Council members learned about WSLCB’s policy analysis process, the next biennium budget, and agency request legislation requested from outside the agency.

Prefiling of bills for the 2021 legislative session begins, the WSLCB takes next steps implementing 2020 legislation, and the Washington Poison Center offers training on cannabis.

Task force members received a data briefing to assist in elaboration of qualifying criteria for cannabis social equity applicants residing in “disproportionately impacted areas.”