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Committee removes emergency clause and advances mobile market bill to allow produce access with WIC participation
Summary
Substitute House Bill 1388, which creates a mobile market program to expand produce access in food-insecure areas and enable acceptance of WIC benefits, was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation after adoption of an amendment removing the bill’s emergency clause to allow time for rulemaking.
The Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee reported substitute House Bill 1388 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation by recorded vote, 11-0. The committee adopted amendment Wickham 664, which removes the bill’s emergency clause and gives agencies time for rulemaking.
Representative Birnbaum described HB 1388 as a measure to create a mobile market program that helps seniors and low-income residents in areas with limited access to fresh produce to use WIC benefits and buy fruits and vegetables. At one point during staff briefing, an amendment was described as delaying an effective date to March 1, 2026; on final action the committee adopted Wickham 664, described by the mover as removing the emergency clause to allow agency rulemaking.
Representative Birnbaum said the program “will allow food deserts in Washington state to access WIC dollars when they're selling produce to folks, primarily senior citizens, who otherwise may not be able to access farmers markets and other places they can buy fresh fruits and vegetables.” Francine Rasmussen, speaking in support, said the program helps farmers and rural consumers and expressed support for the measure.
The substitute bill, with the adopted amendment, was reported out of committee and will proceed to further legislative consideration.
