SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6207

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 of January 14, 2016

Title: An act relating to public disclosure of information submitted to the liquor and cannabis board regarding marijuana product traceability and operations.

Brief Description: Concerning public disclosure of information submitted to the liquor and cannabis board regarding marijuana product traceability and operations.

Sponsors: Senators Rivers and Liias.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/18/16.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)

Background: The Public Records Act (PRA) requires state and local agencies to make their written records available to the public for inspection and copying upon request, unless the information fits into one of the various specific exemptions. The stated policy of the PRA favors disclosure and requires narrow application of the listed exemptions.

The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) collects a variety of business records relating to marijuana businesses that produce, process, transport, or sell marijuana.

Many of these businesses have raised safety concerns regarding public access, under the Public Records Act (PRA), to these sensitive records.

Summary of Bill: Two exemptions are added to the PRA concerning the disclosure of certain marijuana business records:

  1. Financial, commercial operations, and security-related information supplied to the LCB for the purpose of obtaining, maintaining, or renewing a license; and

  2. Information submitted to the LCB for marijuana product traceability purposes. This information includes:

    1. marijuana product ownership;

    2. locations;

    3. contact information;

    4. movements of product;

    5. financial information;

    6. purchase and sale of marijuana;

    7. account numbers or unique identifiers; and

    8. related information that would identify a person or location.

Disclosure of these records is allowed for local, state, and federal purposes.

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.