Washington State Department of Commerce
(WA Commerce)

The lab certification bill was advanced, new introductions were drying up before the first cutoff, two bills were positioned for execs on Wednesday, and the data dashboard bill could be passed by the House.

Three cannabis-related bills were scheduled to be heard and four executive sessions were planned for the week which would include cancellations of most regular WSLCB meetings.

Legislators heard testimony on five cannabis-related bills on Tuesday, a variant on the impaired driving bill was readied for introduction, and WSLCB leaders would be called upon to provide “technology updates.”

Five cannabis bills would receive hearings in the fourth week of the 2025 session, while regulators trimmed lab accreditation rules and briefed lawmakers on technology challenges.

Bills introduced Thursday accrued co-sponsors, a scheduling shakeup was observed, and Friday offered an opportunity to learn how the Consumer Protection Act may be applicable in the cannabis sector.

A briefing for the committee covered the equity licensing process at WSLCB, consultation by the Office of Equity, along with technical assistance and grants from WA Commerce.

Proposed social equity program changes garnered a mix of support and criticism during their hearing, plus almost all public comments reflected doubt WSLCB would improve the situation.

Legislators planned to host work sessions in advance of the 2025 session which would occasion the final convening of the House Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee.

Besides a call for minor changes to rules implementing a patient tax exemption, board members heard about an alleged “bait and switch” tactic being used on some equity applicants.

Research staff talked about an economics report on the cannabis sector regarding opportunity for additional licenses, plus the operating procedures and initial briefs from the group.