Wa HB2211 is back

[NancyR]

Fingers crossed this is true!

Good Evening and Good News!

We continue to receive updates from “people in the know” at the Governor’s office that the vaping Issue is dead for this year. As always, it is not 100% over until the gavel strikes the block, likely to be within 48 hours, but we are in “excellent” position.

We will be in touch soon!

Regards,

Joe Baba
WA Vape Association
WA vape Association
10 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite C
Everett, WA 98208
360-348-2029

 

[Unothegreat]

So, can someone clue me in here? I had read somewhere that Washington had passed a 40+% tax on vaping products. Is this tax now dead, or did it pass?

 

[DavidOck]

Still up in the air until they adjourn. But based on NancyR's latest post, looks like it may be dead - for this year.

We successfully stopped a similar bill last year, and hopefully this year. But they WILL be back, so we all need to stay organized and active.

 

[NancyR]

Currently the bill hasn't passed, they reached basicly an interim agreement on the budget. One report says they will need another special session in order to iron it all out and vote on what ever it is they are going to use.

Right now it doesn't look like hb2211 is part of that, but we won't know for sure til they either call it for a vote or settle the budget without it.

Like David said tho they will try again, if it doesn't pass this year it will be back next year. The part I dread is each year they try for more, and what they started with this year I am not looking forward to next.

 

[DavidOck]

Thought I'd heard that Gov. Inslee has already called for a third special session. The budget "framework" has been agreed to, but details still need to be hammered out. Hopefully, 2211 don't be one of those details!!

With the announced move of Mt. Baker and resulting loss of jobs, perhaps some of them will start to realize the economic impact....

 

[NancyR]

He very well might have called for it already, I haven't been able to keep up on the news as well as I should this last few days.

 

[Angus T Rat]

I got an email from my local representative after using the comment on bill link and he indicated that it has not come to the floor. He also said he would vote NO.

 

[DavidOck]

I've gotten similar from my Rep (who isn't on the committee) and my Senator. So it's not hopeless even it it does come up for a vote...

 

[Bill Godshall]

Here are three news stories on the budget negotiations in Washington State.

Inslee: Tentative budget deal eases tuition burden, raises teachers’ pay | The Seattle Times

Budget agreement reached, third special session begins Sunday to finalize deal :: The Capitol Record | News, background and notes on Washington state government.

Tentative Budget deal reached, state shutdown avoided | Q13 FOX News

Although the vaping tax is not listed as included in the tentative budget deal, the legislature is now having another special budget session to work out the details of the final budget deal.

 

[DavidOck]

Here's one from the Tacoma Tribune: Local News | The News Tribune

Here's the 7th paragraph:
The compromise budget proposal excludes previous tax proposals floated by House Democrats, including a capital gains tax and an increase in some business taxes. But it includes about $185 million in revenue over the next two years from closing some tax exemptions and increasing penalties for those who file late business tax returns, concessions made by Senate Republicans.

So perhaps that means 2211 didn't make it, as it was a tax proposal. The article doesn't mention it specifically.

 

[2buildawall]

KING 5 news just announced that hb2211 did not pass.

 

[2buildawall]

I am still holding my breathe. I still do not believe it. I am going to Mt Baker Vapor later today to celebrate! They are keeping the store here but moving operations.

 

[Bill Godshall]

A news story from several hours ago
Gov. Inslee to sign two-year state budget that cuts tuition, puts money into K-12 | Q13 FOX News