Bill requires cities without bans to issue local marijuana licenses

Rep. David Sawyer (D-Tacoma) and Chair of the House Commerce & Gaming Committee introduced a bill, HB 1099, related to local governments’ unofficial bans or moratoria on marijuana retail stores. The bill targets cities that do not expressly prohibit marijuana retailers but still reserve the right to refuse local business licenses/permits to state licensed retailers.

If a city without a ban or moratorium adopted by ordinance or resolution refuses to issue a local license/permit to a state licensed retail store, that the retailer would otherwise receive if they were engaged in a lawful business not related to marijuana sales, then the city would forfeit 70 percent of their liquor revenues. That city would also forfeit any revenue due from the state dedicated marijuana account. This penalty would continue until the city passes an express ban or moratorium by ordinance or the city issues a license/permit to the applicant.

HB 1099 is scheduled for hearing in the House Commerce & Gaming Committee on January 17 at 1:30 pm.