HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSCR 8407
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 Second Reading:
March 12, 2008
Brief Description: Addressing liquor laws.
Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Clements, Keiser and Parlette.
Brief History:
None.
Senate Floor Activity:
Passed Senate: 3/11/08, 32-17.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
Washington's laws governing the manufacture, distribution, and sale of beer and wine were
first enacted in 1933 following the end of Prohibition.
The laws governing the sale and distribution of beer and wine have been the subject of recent
litigation and study. In 2006, the Liquor Control Board (Board) convened a Three-Tier Task
Force (Task Force) at the Legislature's direction. The Task Force made several
recommendations to the Board.
Summary:
A joint select committee on beer and wine regulation is established to review the laws
relating to the manufacture, distribution, and sale of beer and wine to determine whether
those laws should be continued in their present form or changed to decrease the number of
bills introduced in the Legislature each year.
The committee consists of eight members. The chair and ranking minority member of the
Senate Labor, Commerce, Research and Development Committee and the chair and ranking
minority member of the House Commerce and Labor Committee serve on the committee. In
addition, the leaders of the two largest caucuses in the Senate and House each appoint one
member of their respective caucuses. The committee must choose its co-chairs from among
its membership.
The joint select committee must report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature
by December 1, 2008.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
None.
Persons Testifying: None.