Public Act 155 of 2009

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• Introduced by Rep. Steve Conway, (D-Tacoma) (D) on January 21, 2009, modifies liquor statutes to clarify that preservation of three viable, independent tiers of entities involved in the distribution and sale of malt beverages and wine is necessary to orderly marketing of alcohol, to protect the public interest in limiting consumption, and to facilitate collection of taxes. (See also Companion SB 5403) .
  • Referred to the House Commerce & Labor Committee on January 21, 2009.
    • Substitute offered in the House on February 20, 2009, to delete Language added to the intent section in current law. A definition of "terminated distribution rights" is added. The provision on compensation when distribution rights are divided among two or more successor distributors is modified and a provision is added that nothing requires the supplier or other third person to make any payment to a terminated distributor. The right to attorneys' fees and costs is modified. Termination "for cause" is added to the list of circumstances in which no compensation is owed. The substitute passed in the House by voice vote on February 20, 2009.
  • Referred to the House Rules Committee on February 23, 2009.
    • Amendment offered by Rep. Steve Conway, (D-Tacoma) (D) on March 5, 2009, to specify timelines for any arbitration proceedings that may be initiated to resolve disputes regarding the fair market value of distribution rights and deletes an incorrect reference. The amendment passed in the House by voice vote on March 5, 2009.
• Passed in the House (97 to 0) on March 5, 2009. [Vote Details and Comments]
• Received in the Senate on March 7, 2009.
  • Referred to the Senate Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee on March 7, 2009.
  • Referred to the Senate Rules Committee on March 23, 2009.
• Passed in the Senate (47 to 0) on April 9, 2009. [Vote Details and Comments]
• Signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire on April 21, 2009, requires successor distributors of malt beverages to compensate distributors whose rights to distribute a brand have been terminated, canceled, or not renewed. Makes other changes in the law regulating malt beverage suppliers and distributors .