E2SSB 5080 — Expanding and improving the social equity in cannabis program.

What this bill does

Modifies the Cannabis Social Equity Program (Program) including: (1) extending the Program's expiration; (2) adding cannabis producer and processor licenses to the Program; (3) authorizing additional cannabis retail licenses to be issued through the Program; (4) requiring a third-party contractor to score applicants; (5) amending definitions; and (6) providing flexibility for the initial location of licenses in the Program. Waives annual license fees in the Program through July 1, 2032. Encourages all cannabis licensees to submit a social equity plan and provides a one-time reimbursement for the annual cost of a cannabis license for licensees submitting a plan. Adds provisions authorizing certain local government objections to the issuance of cannabis retail licenses, and requiring the consideration of input from local governments on retail outlet density in establishing the maximum number of retail outlets that may be licensed in each county. Requires a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee report by June 30, 2025, on whether current levels of cannabis production align with market demand and capacity.

From the Washington State Legislature's nonpartisan staff bill analysis. Read the full analysis ↗

Floor votes

• House — Final Passage as Amended by the House · April 10, 2023
  60 yea · 38 nay
• Senate — Final Passage as Amended by the House · April 13, 2023
  31 yea · 16 nay · 2 not voting
• Senate — 3rd Reading & Final Passage · February 28, 2023
  32 yea · 15 nay · 2 not voting

Track E2SSB 5080 on OlympiaTrack

A free account adds a plain-English AI summary, the full hearing and amendment record, who testified, and roll calls by member. Plus email alerts when this bill moves.

Other bills sponsored by Saldaña

• 2SSB 5046 — Concerning postconviction access to counsel.
• SSB 5047 — Enhancing the Washington voting rights act.
• SSB 5101 — Concerning extraordinary medical placement for incarcerated individuals at the department of corrections.
• SSB 5238 — Expanding collective bargaining for employees who are enrolled in academic programs at public institutions of higher education.
• SSB 5256 — Making permanent and expanding the child welfare housing assistance program.