Bill > HB1624

This bill requires the Washington State Department of Revenue to conduct a comprehensive study of the state's alcohol taxation and fee system, producing a detailed report by December 31, 2025. The study will examine taxes and fees related to spirits, beer, and wine that are calculated based on sales price, sales volume, or alcohol content. The report must include specific details such as current and historical tax rates, annual sales and tax revenues for alcohol products over the past 25 years (both in total and per capita), and comparative analyses with other states and countries. The department will explore variations in taxation methods, such as differences in how states control spirit sales (through state agencies or licensed private entities) and how taxes are calculated (by volume, price, or alcohol content). The Liquor and Cannabis Board is required to assist the Department of Revenue by providing relevant data. This bill is set to expire on January 1, 2026, after the report's submission, and aims to provide comprehensive insight into Washington's alcohol taxation landscape to inform potential future policy decisions.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1624&Year=2025&Initiative=false