HOUSE BILL REPORT
2ESSCR 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 Passed House:
March 12, 2008

Brief Description: Addressing liquor laws.

Sponsors: By Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Clements, Keiser and Parlette).

Brief History:

None.

Senate Floor Activity:

Passed Senate: 3/11/08, 32-17.

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/12/08, 70-27.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Creates a joint select committee on beer and wine regulation.

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.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.