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Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board says rules team is juggling 12 open projects, seeks approval to file expedited implementation package
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Summary
At its April 21 caucus, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board was briefed on multiple rulemaking efforts stemming from the 2026 legislative session, including plans to file an expedited CR-105 package to align WAC language with three bills and to pursue CR-103 adoptions in May and July as appropriate.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board on April 21 heard from its rules team that it is handling a heavy workload of statutory implementation and outreach after the 2026 legislative session.
Kevin, a representative of the director's office, told the caucus the rules team "currently has 12 open rules projects" and that staff will request board approval to file an expedited CR-105 rulemaking package to align five sections of chapter 314-55 WAC with statutory changes from three 2026 bills. Kevin said staff filed a CR-101 on April 13 to initiate rulemaking tied to the second substitute House Bill discussed and expect to file another CR-101 in May for an agricultural cannabis cooperative bill.
The package Kevin previewed focuses on implementing statutory language the board has no discretion to alter, he said, and would open a public comment period through June 20. "Assuming no significant changes are warranted following the public comment period, we plan to seek board approval to file the CR-103 to adopt permanent rules at the July 1 board meeting," Kevin said.
Board members also heard updates about several active projects. Kevin reported a public hearing on contract kitchens (implementing Engrossed House Bill 1602) on April 9 had one attendee who did not provide comments, and staff expect to present a CR-103 adoption package next month. On retail alcohol product placement, staff are relying on a third-party economic analysis; surveys sent in mid-March produced an "okay" participation rate, and staff are preparing outreach so licensees understand the survey is legitimate and respond.
On cannabis matters, Kevin announced a public hearing on cannabis advertising implementing Engrossed House Bill 5206 scheduled for April 23 at 1 p.m., with a CR-103 filing planned for May if no substantive changes are required. He said implementing substitute Senate Bill 5403 (cannabis retail management agreements) remains a heavy focus: the agency held two stakeholder sessions and received voluminous written feedback that shows significant disagreement, especially over discounts and volume pricing. Kevin said staff received about 133 emails in one week—roughly 78 opposed to volume pricing and 54 supportive—and characterized many as form letters from industry associations.
Members noted capacity concerns. Kevin acknowledged that petitions and new legislative work have stretched staff resources and said the cannabis R&D testing and samples team is progressing toward a stakeholder draft planned for May. He also said petition-driven batch-tracking work will be delayed while higher-priority legislative implementations are processed.
Member Holmes asked about sharing links and narrative to advisory-council members to improve survey participation; Kevin said a GovDelivery announcement is in development and he will ensure advisory-council members receive the material. The board closed the discussion with general appreciation for the rules team's work and an acknowledgement that the agency is prioritizing statutorily required changes.
The caucus did not record a formal vote in the transcript on the CR-105 filing request; Kevin said he would request board approval at the board meeting that follows this caucus.
Next steps: public comment on the CR-105 package through June 20, a planned CR-103 adoption request on July 1 if no major changes are needed, and continued stakeholder engagement on retail placement and cannabis management rules.
