OLYMPIA — The Legislature has passed a measure that would exclude producers of marijuana and marijuana-infused products from qualifying for agriculture tax breaks.
The measure passed the House Wednesday on a 55-42 vote and now heads to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk. The Senate unanimously passed the bill last week. Under Senate Bill 6505, the industry would be excluded from three dozen different tax breaks, largely surrounding agricultural production.
Washington voters passed Initiative 502 in November 2012 to legalize and regulate the recreational use of pot by adults over 21, and the first state-licensed pot stores are expected to open in the coming months.
The nation’s first recreational sales began Jan. 1 in Colorado, which legalized marijuana the same time as Washington.
Diploma changes
Washington state took one step toward a more rigorous diploma Wednesday when the state House approved a bill that would require 24 credits to graduate, starting with the class of 2019.
Senate Bill 6552 passed the House on a 93-5 vote Wednesday and heads back to the Senate for a concurrence vote before the legislative session ends today. The current statewide minimum is 20 credits. The measure also would begin the process to help students earn more graduation credits for career and technical classes.
The idea for a 24-credit diploma was developed by the State Board of Education.
Appointee resigns
Former state Rep. Geoff Simpson has resigned from the state Gambling Commission after receiving opposition to his gubernatorial appointment from members of the Senate over a 2008 domestic-violence arrest.
The Seattle Times reported that Simpson informed Gov. Jay Inslee of his decision in a letter Wednesday. Simpson, a former Democratic member of the state House, had been appointed to the commission in August and started the job while awaiting Senate approval.
Republican senators, especially Janea Holmquist Newbry, said they opposed the nomination due to the allegation that Simpson pushed his ex-wife while visiting their daughter at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
An assault charge ultimately was dismissed with prejudice.
In a Tuesday night letter to senators, Simpson said that it was unfortunate “when people use dismissed allegations of the serious crime of domestic violence to help them carry out political undertakings.”
