The Washington State Health Care Authority (WA HCA) purchases health care for Medicaid eligible Washington residents and public employees. The agency also procures funding for the development and implementation of substance use treatment and prevention programs with the intention of "integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents."
Washington State Health Care Authority
(WA HCA)
Public
Structural Relationships
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Washington State Office of the Governor
(WA Governor) -
Washington State Health Care Authority
(WA HCA)
Information Set
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Observations
The Week Ahead
(March 25, 2024)
The cannabis waste bill was lined up for Inslee’s signature, rules on THC legislation from 2023 were ready for review, and WSDA staff kept their eyes on the calendar for lab accreditation.
The Week Ahead
(March 11, 2024)
Regulators were ready to continue or initiate rulemaking processes in the week following the end of the legislative session while prevention researchers reviewed their findings.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 8, 2024)
The first cannabis bill of 2024 was signed into law before a dynamic conclusion to the session as the “high THC” legislation criss-crossed the rotunda for a last minute change which may have fiscal consequences.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 7, 2024)
All cannabis bills were funded in the operating budget; the patient excise tax exemption bill was passed; a bill action was scheduled by the Governor; and lawmakers would conclude the 2024 regular session.
WA Senate -
(February 29, 2024) - HB 2320 - Second and Third Reading
Senators made changes to data gathering requirements in a bill regulating “high THC” products before almost unanimously passing the measure and returning it to the House for concurrence.
WA Senate WM - Committee Meeting
(February 22, 2024) - Summary
Senators decided the “high THC” bill was similar enough to a companion to skip a public hearing; all testimony on the bill to exempt patients from cannabis excise taxes was supportive.
The Week Ahead
(February 26, 2024)
One cannabis bill was gathering signatures, another was ready for final passage, three were in rules awaiting calendaring, and three more were scheduled for execs before the Monday cutoff.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 20, 2024)
After undertaking significant activity on cannabis-related bills on Monday, lawmakers lined up executive sessions on a few more bills before the final policy committee deadline on Wednesday.
WA Legislature - Update
(February 19, 2024)
Operating budget proposals began to take shape as policy committees considered legislation ahead of the Opposite House Policy Committee Cutoff on Wednesday February 21st.
WA House - Session
(February 9, 2024) - HB 2320 - Second and Third Reading
Most lawmakers agreed to pass legislation to address risks associated with use of “high THC” products, with some disagreement around how urgent and restrictive solutions should be.