Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 1415

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Providing for the sales of wine at the legislative gift center.

Sponsors: Representatives Hasegawa, Haler, Hunt, Armstrong, Eddy, Newhouse, Conway, Wood, Williams, Johnson, Chase, Upthegrove, Condotta, Moeller and Ormsby.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows the Legislative Gift Center to sell wine produced in Washington to persons 21 years of age or older for off-premises consumption.

Hearing Date: 2/6/09

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106)

Background:

The Legislative Gift Center (gift center) was created in 2007 and is authorized to sell Washington products, souvenirs, and items bearing the state seal. The Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate are charged with governance of the gift center. Profits from gift center sales are deposited into the Legislative Oral History Account; the Washington State Legacy Project, State Library, and Archives Account; and the Capitol Furnishings Preservation Committee Account.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislative Gift Center (gift center) may sell wine produced in Washington by a licensed winery for off-premises consumption. Wine sold by the gift center must be sold for personal use to individuals 21 years of age or older, and have been purchased from a licensed wine distributor or manufacturer. The gift center must collect and remit applicable taxes to the Department of Revenue.

Provisions in the liquor laws do not apply to or prevent the gift center from selling wine produced in Washington.

Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.