2870-S2.E AMS LBRC RODG 361

E2SHB 2870 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Labor & Commerce

NOT ADOPTED 03/09/2020

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

NEW SECTION. Sec. A new section is added to chapter 69.50 RCW to read as follows:

(1) A study group on social equity in marijuana is established. The purpose of the study group is to make recommendations to the legislature, governor, and board including but not limited to establishing a social equity program for retail marijuana licensing, and to advise the governor and the legislature on policies that will facilitate development of a marijuana social equity program.

(2) The governor shall appoint:

(a) One member from each of the following:

(i) The commission on African American affairs;

(ii) The commission on Hispanic affairs;

(iii) An organization representing the African American community;

(iv) An organization representing the Latinx community;

(v) The liquor and cannabis board;

(vi) The department of commerce;

(vii) The office of the attorney general; and

(viii) The association of Washington cities; and

(b) Three members that currently hold a marijuana retail license.

(3) In addition to the members appointed to the study group under subsection (2) of this section, individuals representing other sectors may be invited by the governor to participate in an advisory capacity in meetings.

(a) Individuals participating in an advisory capacity under this subsection are not members of the study group, may not vote, and are not subject to the appointment process established in this section.

(b) There is no limit to the number of individuals who may participate in study group's meetings in an advisory capacity under this subsection.

(c) A majority of the study group members constitutes a quorum. If a member has not been designated for a position set forth in this section, that position may not be counted for the purpose of determining a quorum.

(4) The study group shall hold its first meeting by July 1, 2020 and shall elect a chair from among its members at the first meeting by a majority vote of the members who are present at the meeting. The chair of the study group is responsible for arranging subsequent meetings and developing meeting agendas.

(5) Staff support for the study group, including arranging the first meeting and assisting the chair in arranging subsequent meetings, must be provided by the office of the governor.

(6) The expenses of the study group must be paid by the office of the governor.

(7) Members are not entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses if they are elected officials or are participating on behalf of an employer, governmental entity, or other organization. Any reimbursement is subject to chapter 43.03 RCW.

(8) The study group is a class one group under chapter 43.03 RCW.

(9) A public comment period must be provided at every meeting.

(10) The study group shall submit a report on recommended policies that will facilitate the development of a marijuana social equity program in Washington to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2020. The recommendations must include whether any additional marijuana licenses should be issued beyond the total number of marijuana licenses that have been issued as of the effective date of this section.

(11) This section expires June 30, 2021.

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