The Washington State Senate Law and Justice Committee (WA Senate LAW) considers a variety of subjects relating to civil and criminal law, including issues involving public safety, law enforcement, and sentencing. Civil law topics include commercial law, probate, firearms, eminent domain, Consumer Protection Act remedies and processes. The committee also oversees family law issues such as marriage, child support and adoption.
Washington State Senate Law and Justice Committee
(WA Senate LAW)

Structural Relationships
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Washington State Senate Law and Justice Committee (WA Senate LAW)
Information Set
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Observations
WA Legislature - Update (March 22, 2023)
All 14 clearly active cannabis bills had been heard by opposite house policy committees, but six still awaited movement after two executive sessions were delayed to allow time for amendment.
WA Legislature - Update (March 16, 2023)
After renewing focus in policy committees, legislators announced plans to address the majority of active cannabis legislation the following week and begin work on the operating budget.
The Week Ahead (March 6, 2023)
Legislators had hundreds of bills to consider before the house of origin cutoff on Wednesday, then policy committees would renew activity - including on the first cannabis zombie bill.
WA Legislature - Update (February 8, 2023)
Representatives heard the WSLCB THC bill, a technical corrections bill was readied for the opposite house, and a senate floor session and rules meeting were scheduled for Wednesday.
WA Senate - Session - Evening (February 10, 2022) - SB 5927 - Second and Third Reading
While cannabis retail would remain cash heavy if SB 5927 were enacted, senators unanimously voted for a one year sentencing enhancement for first and second degree robberies.
The Week Ahead (February 14, 2022)
By Tuesday evening, most bills would need to be voted out of their house of origin to continue, but three important—and contentious—cannabis-related bills remained unmoved.
WA Senate LAW - Committee Meeting (February 8, 2022) - HB 1105 - Public Hearing
A bill to grant all medical cannabis patients protection from arrest received almost entirely positive testimony, along with complaints about homegrowing and cannabis scheduling policy.
The Week Ahead (February 7, 2022)
After a brutal week for cannabis-related legislation which saw more than half rendered inactive, legislators prepared to undertake key debates on synthesized cannabinoids, community reinvestment, and social equity.
WA Senate LAW - Committee Meeting (January 31, 2022) - SB 5927 - Public Hearing
With increasing incidents of cannabis retail robbery, legislation adding reporting requirements and sentencing enhancements was seen as helpful, but some argued it sidestepped bigger issues.
The Week Ahead (January 31, 2022)
Policy committees rushed to recommend legislation ahead of the initial cutoff deadline on February 3rd, including bills on retail safety, cannabinoid regulation, and social equity.