Washington State House of Representatives
(WA House)

And then there were seven; three cannabis bills were passed hours prior to the final cutoff gateway as legislators turned to concurrence votes, disputes, and conference committee work.

Pausing emergency rulemaking which would lower action levels for some pesticides didn’t preclude public comments critical of the approach taken by agency staff to the overall situation.

None of four well-positioned cannabis bills were considered on Tuesday and remained in competition for limited opportunities for movement through the last cutoff gateway on Wednesday.

The board heard that details on emergency rules around potential soil contamination could wait until the following day’s board meeting, and staff also gave legislative and rulemaking updates.

Most active cannabis legislation was through the final cutoff or on its way after four more cannabis bills were pulled out of rules and the social equity bill was passed by the House.

Legislators would traverse the final cutoff gateway on Wednesday before sine die while the WSLCB board had a full week of public meetings to reckon with a controversial agency action.

The full House incorporated changes to THC legislation designed in committee and passed the measure, but only after formally ‘reconsidering’ their vote.

The youth protective and hemp destructive THC bill was passed twice on Friday, senators confirmed a WSLCB board member, and legislators prepared to work again on Saturday.

Two cannabis bills, one preparing for interstate commerce and another modifying fundamental definitions of cannabis and hemp in Washington state, were advanced in the House.

With few exceptions, the majority of cannabis legislation remained stationed in the House and Senate rules committees as legislators devoted their floor session time to other legislation.