H-1898.1
HOUSE BILL 2124
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State of Washington | 65th Legislature | 2017 Regular Session |
By Representatives Sawyer, Condotta, Taylor, Vick, Shea, Fitzgibbon, and Goodman
Read first time 02/17/17. Referred to Committee on Finance.
AN ACT Relating to prohibiting the use of public resources to assist the federal government in any activity that might impede or interfere with revenue to the operating budget pursuant to Washington state's regulation of marijuana and marijuana-related products as prescribed by the laws of the state of Washington; adding a new section to chapter
41.04 RCW; creating a new section; prescribing penalties; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the revenue to the state general fund pursuant to Washington state's regulation of marijuana and marijuana-related products is an important and sustaining resource for state moneys appropriated for the essential governmental functions of providing health care, behavioral health services, education, and other human services. These revenues generated under the state's critical oversight are also an important part of Washington's economic infrastructure and future economic well-being, and they must be preserved.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 41.04 RCW to read as follows:
(1) All public employees in this state are prohibited from assisting or otherwise expending state resources of any kind to knowingly aid or assist the federal government with respect to any activity or inquiry directly or indirectly related to any federal action or effort that results in the loss of revenue through interference with the state's marijuana market as governed by chapters
69.50 and
69.51A RCW or other provisions of state law. This prohibition includes providing aid or assistance, whether directly or indirectly, to any federal official, federal employee, federal contractor, or other person with respect to the federal activities described in this subsection.
(2) A public employee who knowingly violates this section may be subject to disciplinary proceedings or termination of public employment in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the personnel practices of his or her public employer and the laws of this state.
(3) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(a) "Public employee" means any employee of the state, local government, special purpose district, or other political subdivision of the state, and includes, but is not limited to, the following categories of publicly employed personnel:
(i) All employees engaged in activities related to law enforcement, public safety, and the criminal corrections system;
(ii) All employees engaged in activities related to the operation, administration, or management of state or local court systems; and
(iii) All employees engaged in activities related to the recording, storage, management, administration, processing, transmission, maintenance, or analysis of information, records, or data of any kind.
(b) "State resource" means:
(i) Any time or effort expended by a public employee during the hours in which they are expected or required to be engaged in employment-related activities pursuant to the terms and requirements of his or her employment and for which he or she receives valuable compensation; and
(ii) The use of facilities or equipment owned or operated by the state, local governments, special purpose districts, or other political subdivisions of this state.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.
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