This bill amends RCW 69.51A.230 to enhance the functionality of the medical cannabis authorization database by allowing the liquor and cannabis board to verify excise tax exemptions. Specifically, it introduces new provisions that enable the liquor and cannabis board to confirm these tax exemptions under RCW 69.50.535. Additionally, the bill clarifies the roles of various stakeholders, including cannabis retailers, health care professionals, and law enforcement, in accessing and managing patient information within the database.

The legislation also outlines the requirements for recognition cards issued to qualifying patients and their designated providers, including the necessary identifiers and security features. It establishes protocols for the expiration and renewal of these cards, as well as the confidentiality of the information contained in the database. The bill emphasizes the importance of privacy and security standards, mandating that personally identifiable information be protected and exempt from public disclosure, while still allowing for aggregate data to be used for statistical analysis. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the verification process for tax exemptions related to medical cannabis while ensuring patient privacy and compliance with state regulations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 69.51A.230
Bill as Passed Legislature: 69.51A.230
Session Law: 69.51A.230