The Washington State Senate Ways and Means Committee (WA Senate WM) considers the operating and capital budget bills and related legislation, including the authorization of state debt. The committee also deals with tax policy and other fiscal issues such as pension policy and compensation in addition to bills with operating budget fiscal impacts.
Washington State Senate Ways and Means Committee
(WA Senate WM)
Public
Observations
The Week Ahead
(March 22, 2021)
Several cannabis bills portend some controversy on their way through the next cutoff on Friday, where a mysterious work session on “the future of the cannabis industry” awaited.
WA Senate WM - Committee Meeting
(February 17, 2021) - SB 5004 - Executive Session
Senators amended legislation exempting registered medical cannabis patients and designated providers from the State excise tax, requiring a sunset date and a review of marketplace effects.
The Week Ahead
(February 15, 2021)
3 cannabis-related bills could join 9 others already through Monday’s cutoff deadline, and WSLCB planned to open a rulemaking project to reconsider the criminal history point system.
The Week Ahead
(February 8, 2021)
Of 19 bills closely tracked, five were out of committee and seven were scheduled for action this week - including new bills to limit cannabis concentrates and a drug decriminalization bill.
WA Senate WM - Committee Meeting
(January 18, 2021) - Summary
SB 5004, legislation providing an excise tax exemption for patients registered with the state, drew largely supportive testimony which contested the accuracy of the fiscal note.
The Week Ahead
(January 18, 2021)
Three new cannabis bills were introduced and four were scheduled for activity while the Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission considered regulation of Epidiolex.
WA Legislature - Conference Committee Meeting - SB 6168
(March 11, 2020) - Summary
Where does all the cannabis money go? Taxes from cannabis sales were utilized for a multitude of purposes and cannabis-related policymaking was funded by the Legislature.
WA Senate WM - Committee Meeting
(March 2, 2020) - Summary
The Senate fiscal committee passed HB 2826, WSLCB’s cannabis vapor products bill, as well as SB 6254, DOH’s vapor products bill which had been repeatedly brought “back to life.”
The Week Ahead
(March 2, 2020)
The legislature is getting more creative in its handling of cannabis-related bills and budget provisos as the close of the regular session approaches on March 12th.
The Week Ahead
(February 24, 2020)
7 cannabis-related bills remained in motion as the Washington State House and Senate began considering opposite chamber bills prior to Friday’s policy committee cutoff.