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Committee debates tough penalties, 95% tax and licensing in proposed kratom bill
Summary
SB 6196 would tax and license kratom: beginning 2027 a distributor-level excise tax of 95% and a licensing regime with background checks and labeling requirements; public testimony split between public‑health advocates seeking strict regulation and industry/retail groups opposing felony penalties and a punitive tax.
Senate Bill 6,196, proposing a distributor‑level excise tax of 95% on kratom products and a new licensing and labeling regime, drew mixed testimony at the Senate Labor & Commerce hearing.
Committee staff Marlon Yanes summarized the bill: it would impose a tax at the time a distributor brings kratom into Washington for sale beginning Jan. 1, 2027, require kratom distributor and retailer licenses (including criminal background checks), mandate labeling of ingredients and certain chemicals,…
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