Who: Rep. David Sawyer, D-Tacoma, prime sponsor of HB 2124
What: Public hearing in the House Finance Committee on HB 2124, prohibiting the use of public resources to assist the federal government in any activity that might impede or interfere with revenue to the operating budget pursuant to Washington state’s regulation of marijuana and marijuana-related products as prescribed by the laws of the state of Washington
When: Tuesday, January 16, at 3:30 p.m.
Where: House Hearing Room A, John L. O’Brien Building
Why: On January 4, 2018, the Trump Administration reversed years of federal policy that has enabled states like Washington to implement a legal marijuana market as approved by voters in 2012. This reversal jeopardizes the protections Washington state created for a tightly-regulated market, as well as threatens the state’s operating budget. Currently, millions of dollars in marijuana revenues are allocated for substance abuse prevention and treatment, youth services, and children’s health, among other areas. Rep. Sawyer’s bill, which has bipartisan support, would prohibit the use of public resources to assist the federal government in any activity that would impede or interfere with the state’s marijuana market.