HB 1603 - DIGEST

Authorizes the liquor control board to issue subpoenas in connection with any investigation, hearing, or proceeding for the production of books, records, and documents held under chapter 66.08 RCW or chapters 70.155, 70.158, 82.24, and 82.26 RCW, and books and records of common carriers as defined in RCW 81.80.010, or vehicle rental agencies relating to the transportation or possession of cigarettes or other tobacco products.

Provides that, if any person is served a subpoena from the board for the production of records, documents, and books, and fails or refuses to obey the subpoena for the production of records, documents, and books when required to do so, the person is subject to proceedings for contempt, and the board may institute contempt of court proceedings in the superior court of Thurston county or in the county in which the person resides.

Provides that, for the purposes of obtaining information concerning any matter relating to the administration or enforcement of chapter 82.24 RCW, the department, the board, or any of its agents may inspect the books, documents, or records of any person transporting cigarettes for sale to any person or entity in the state, and books, documents, or records containing any information relating to the transportation or possession of cigarettes for sale in the possession of a specific common carrier as defined in RCW 81.80.010 doing business in this state, or books, documents, and records of vehicle rental agencies whose vehicles are being rented for the purpose of transporting contraband cigarettes.

Provides that, if a person neglects or refuses to produce and submit for inspection any book, record, or document as required by this act when requested to do so by the department, the board, or its agent, then the department or the board may seek an order in superior court compelling production of the books, records, or documents.