Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board approves expedited CR105 package to implement three 2026 bills

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board on April 22 approved a CR105 expedited rulemaking package to align multiple sections of chapter 314-55 WAC with statutory changes enacted during the 2026 legislative session.

The action authorizes the director's office to file the CR105 package immediately to implement three bills that the rules team said require rule-language alignment. Kevin Walder, the board’s policy and rules manager, told members the proposed changes are "explicitly dictated in statute, and the board has no discretion regarding implementation," and that the filing would begin the public comment period through June 20.

The package addresses statutory changes described in the presentation as "House Bill 15 26" (allowing snack bar licensees to serve wine by the glass in addition to beer), "grossed substitute house bill 24 76" (raising the maximum number of seats for a theater license from 120 to 200) and "engrossed house bill 26 81" (increasing license fees for cannabis producers, processors, and retailers). Walder said the rule changes are limited to statutory revisions and thus qualify for expedited rulemaking under the Administrative Procedures Act.

Board member Pete moved to approve the CR105 package and Speaker 3 (Ali) seconded the motion. The chair confirmed the motion and the board approved the request to file. Walder told the board the agency expects to file CR103 to adopt permanent rules at the July 1 board meeting "the earliest eligible date per Administrative Procedures Act requirements for expedited rulemaking," assuming public comments do not force substantial changes.

Walder also summarized related rule activity the rules team is managing, including a third‑party economic analysis for retail alcohol product placement and multiple cannabis-related projects. He said the agency will coordinate communications to encourage licensee participation in surveys and stakeholder processes to ensure robust datasets for decision-making.

Next steps: the CR105 filing is expected immediately, public comments will remain open through June 20, and the agency plans to seek CR103 adoption at the July 1 board meeting if no further changes are warranted.