SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6514

                    As of February 2, 2000

Title:  An act relating to a review of liquor control board functions.

Brief Description:  Studying privatization of liquor control board functions.

Sponsors:  Senators T. Sheldon and Kohl‑Welles.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Commerce, Trade, Housing & Financial Institutions:  2/3/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, TRADE, HOUSING & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Staff:  Catherine Mele (786-7470)

Background:  The Washington State Liquor Control Board has a three-member board appointed for six-year terms by the Governor.  The board=s responsibilities include overseeing the sale and distribution of alcohol beverages in Washington State.  In addition, the board enforces alcohol beverage control laws.

In the fall of 1999, the Governor created a Citizen=s Review Panel to review current practices and policies of the Washington State Liquor Control Board's Enforcement Division, including any overlap with the board's Licensing and Regulation Division.

Some suggest that it would be beneficial to have private citizens review whether or not the liquor control board should operate as a private enterprise.

Summary of Bill: A citizen=s review panel is created to develop specific policy recommendations concerning the options for privatization of the operations of the Liquor Control Board.  The review panel consists of 19 private individuals including management experts, representatives from stakeholder groups, state liquor store employees, law enforcement, local governments, county health officials, retail liquor store licensees, liquor control board employees, and the governor=s office.  The review panel must produce a report and make policy recommendations by December 1, 2000.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 28, 2000.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.