Washington Senate Bill 5758, which would ease location restrictions for social equity marijuana businesses, is scheduled for a public hearing on February 18 in the Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce. A committee vote is set for February 21.
The bill, introduced by State Senator Rebecca Saldaña, would revise Washington’s existing marijuana zoning laws to allow social equity licensees to operate within 500 feet of schools, parks, and other restricted areas—half the current 1,000-foot buffer required for standard licensees.
The change is intended to remove barriers that have made it difficult for social equity applicants to secure viable locations. Social equity licenses are reserved for individuals from communities disproportionately affected by past marijuana prohibition enforcement.
The bill also grants local governments the authority to override standard distance requirements, except for schools and playgrounds, by passing local ordinances. This means cities, counties, and towns could allow marijuana businesses, including social equity licensees, to operate even closer to restricted areas if they determine it would not negatively impact public safety.
Additionally, SB 5758 includes a certificate of compliance provision, ensuring that businesses meeting location requirements at the time of application are protected from future zoning changes that might otherwise disqualify them. The bill also requires enhanced security measures for social equity businesses operating within the adjusted buffer zones.
For the full text of SB 5758, click here.
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