Rep. Brad Klippert (R-Kennewick) has prefiled a bill that proposes further restrictions on siting locations for cannabis businesses. HB 1003 adds additional locations that are frequented by children and where the state’s Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) would be prohibited from granting a license for a cannabis business to site. HB 1003 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Commerce & Gaming Committee on Tuesday, January 15 at 3:30 pm.

Currently, the LCB cannot issue a license for a cannabis business locating within 1,000 feet of the perimeter of any:

• Elementary or secondary school
• Playground
• Recreation center or facility
• Child care center
• Public park
• Public transit center
• Library
• Any game arcade (where admission is not restricted to persons age 21 or older)

HB 1003 would add preschool, early learning centers, and school bus stops to the list above. It would also clarify that all playgrounds are included, regardless of the nature of the property owner, (i.e. government or privately owned) and all child care centers regardless of whether the center is licensed.

HB 1003 also adds school bus stops and the expanded definition of child care centers to locations that are prohibited from cannabis business advertising.

Current law allows local governments to reduce the 1,000 feet buffer to 100 feet around all entities except elementary and secondary schools and public playgrounds by enacting an ordinance authorizing the distance reduction. Local governments may also require individual notice by a cannabis business applicant to any of the locations listed above if sited within 1,000 feet of the proposed licensee location. HB 1003 would add preschool, early learning centers, and school bus stops to the reduced buffer prohibition and to the notice authority.

If passed, this bill would take effect immediately and apply to current license holders.

The proposed bill includes a provision that the LCB may not renew a license for any property that is located within 1,000 feet of the perimeter of any preschool, elementary school, secondary school, school bus stop, playground, or child care center. If passed, this bill would take effect immediately and apply to current license holders. How this would affect existing locations that are within 1,000 feet of preschools, school bus stops, and the expanded definition of child care centers is unclear. On its face, it appears those business licenses would not be renewed by the LCB.

AWC will testify in opposition of this proposal as overly broad. As currently drafted, it acts as a de facto moratorium for cannabis businesses to site in cities that have approved such businesses, removing local control to make siting decisions. Please contact Sharon with any concerns.