SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5671
As of January 18, 2022
Title: An act relating to the composition of the Washington state liquor and cannabis board.
Brief Description: Modifying the composition of the Washington state liquor and cannabis board.
Sponsors: Senators Stanford, Rivers, Hasegawa, Mullet and Wilson, C..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Tribal Affairs: 1/19/22.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Adds two voting and four nonvoting members to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Staff: Matt Shepard-Koningsor (786-7627)
Background:

In 1934, Washington Governor Clarence Martin signed the Steele Act into law.  The Steele Act established the Washington State Liquor Control Board.  Until 2011, the Liquor Control Board oversaw state-operated liquor stores in addition to numerous contract liquor stores.  In 2015, as part of the Cannabis Patient Protection Act, the Liquor Control Board was renamed to the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB).  Today, the LCB regulates liquor, tobacco, vapor, and cannabis products in Washington through a number of divisions.  These divisions report to the LCB's deputy and agency directors.  The LCB is administered by a three-member board (Board) appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate for six-year staggered terms.  The Governor may appoint one of the members as chair of the Board, and a majority of the members constitutes a quorum of the Board.
Summary of Bill:

Two voting members are added to the Board.  In addition, there shall be four nonvoting ex officio members from the Legislature consisting of:

  • two members of the Senate, one from the majority political party and one from the minority political party, both to be appointed by the president of the Senate; and
  • two members of the House of Representatives, one from the majority political party and one from the minority political party, both to be appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives.

 

The ex officio members' terms must be for two years, or for the period in which the appointee serves as a legislator, whichever expires first.  Ex officio members may be reappointed.  Vacancies must be filled in the same manner as original appointments are made.  Ex officio members may receive certain reimbursements relative to Board business, which must be paid from the Dedicated Marijuana Account.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: Yes.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.