Bill > HB2616

This bill, titled the "Framework for Agriculturally Resilient Markets Act," introduces several changes related to agriculture and cannabis regulation. It establishes a "harvest assistance account" to provide rapid response to weather or market disruptions affecting harvests, and mandates the development of a strategy to increase institutional purchasing of Washington-grown food for state agencies, corrections facilities, and public schools. The bill also amends definitions related to covered materials and packaging, notably exempting packaging for perishable agricultural products until commercially viable alternatives are available. Furthermore, it makes changes to refrigerant management rules for agricultural production and food storage, creates a grant program for agricultural refrigeration retrofits, and establishes an "agricultural refrigeration transition account" for cold storage retrofits. The bill also directs studies on agricultural tax incentives and market access barriers, and includes provisions for workforce development analysis and a grant program for alternatives to burning permanent crop vegetation. In the realm of cannabis regulation, it transfers licensing and regulatory authority for cannabis production, processing, and testing from the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to the Department of Agriculture, with the director of agriculture now overseeing these functions, while the LCB retains authority over transportation, delivery, and retail sales. This shift is accompanied by numerous amendments to various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) concerning cannabis licensing, definitions, and operational rules, aiming to streamline processes and clarify responsibilities between the Department of Agriculture and the LCB.

Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2616&Year=2025&Initiative=false