SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5903

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.

As Passed Senate, March 2, 2015

Title: An act relating to restricting certain methods of selling marijuana.

Brief Description: Restricting certain methods of selling marijuana.

Sponsors: Senators Bailey, Braun and Warnick.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 2/13/15, 2/18/15 [DP].

Passed Senate: 3/02/15, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, Keiser, King and Warnick.

Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)

Background: Initiative 502 established a regulatory system for the production, processing, and distribution of limited amounts of marijuana for non-medical purposes. Under this system, the Liquor Control Board (LCB) issues licenses to marijuana producers, processors, and retailers, and adopts standards for the regulation of these operations.

There are no statutory provisions regulating the sale of marijuana from a drive-through facility or from a vending machine.

Summary of Bill: LCB may not issue, transfer, or renew a marijuana retail license for any business that operates as a drive-through facility where marijuana is sold and dispensed through a window or door to a purchaser in a motor vehicle, or sells marijuana in a vending machine. It is also a misdemeanor to sell marijuana by either of these methods.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Nothing prohibits marijuana retailers from selling their products in a vending machine or out of a drive-through window. We do not allow liquor to be sold in these methods and we should not make it easier to sell marijuana. We do not fully know the risks of marijuana at this time.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Bailey, prime sponsor.