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WashingtonHB 14222025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Modifying the drug take-back program.

Sponsored By: Strom Peterson (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.

Stronger audits, warnings, and fines

The Department of Health can audit and inspect drug take-back programs and their records. If a maker is not in a program, the Department sends a notice; after 60 days, it can fine the maker if it still sells without joining. For rule-breaking programs, the Department gives a written warning; after 30 days without a fix, it can fine the operator and participating manufacturers, and it can suspend a program right away if there is an immediate hazard. Wholesalers and pharmacies that do not give required manufacturer lists have 60 days after notice before fines. Civil fines can be up to $2,000 for each day a violation continues, and the Department can order someone to act or stop acting to comply.

Audit of fee-setting due in 2025

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee reviews the Health Department's fee-setting for the drug take-back program. It reports to lawmakers by December 31, 2025 on cost coverage and transparency. Funding is limited to the one-time fee, and the agencies must sign an agreement to do the work.

Health Department cannot ban sales

The Department of Health cannot prohibit a covered manufacturer from selling a drug in or into Washington. Other enforcement tools in the law still apply.

One-time 2025 JLARC fee for operators

The Department collects a one-time $70,000 fee by August 1, 2025. It splits this total evenly across all approved program operators. Each operator pays $70,000 divided by the number of operators. The money funds an expedited JLARC review.

Yearly reports from take-back programs

Program operators must send an annual report to the Department of Health by July 1 each year. It lists covered manufacturers, pounds collected by method, collection sites and mailers, and any safety issues. It also shows last year's spending, next year's budget, and goals. Within 30 days after each year, operators must report the weight collected at each site. The Department posts reports online and can require fixes within 30 days.

Drug take-back law sunsets in 2030

Many parts of the drug take-back law are repealed on January 1, 2030. After that date, current program rules in those sections no longer apply. Operators, manufacturers, and related businesses may see duties change unless new laws are passed.

Ongoing fees and caps for operators

The Department sets fees, like annual and review fees, only to cover its real costs to run and police the program. It splits the annual operating fee evenly across approved operators and collects it each year by October 1. Each operator's fees in 2020 and later cannot be more than 10% of the highest annual spending reported by any single operator. All fee money goes into the secure drug take-back account.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Strom Peterson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Joe Timmons

    Democratic • House

  • Lauren Davis

    Democratic • House

  • My-Linh Thai

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Macri

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 4/9/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 97 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/12/2025House

  2. Chapter 215, 2025 Laws.

    5/12/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    5/12/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/27/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/27/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/27/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    4/26/2025House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/26/2025House

  9. Minority; without recommendation.

    4/25/2025House

  10. WM - Majority; do pass.

    4/25/2025House

  11. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    4/25/2025House

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/25/2025House

  13. First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

    4/11/2025House

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/9/2025House

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/9/2025House

  16. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    4/9/2025House

  17. 2nd substitute bill substituted.

    4/9/2025House

  18. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/2/2025House

  19. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/28/2025House

  20. APP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/27/2025House

  21. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/27/2025House

  22. Referred to Appropriations.

    2/21/2025House

  23. Minority; do not pass.

    2/18/2025House

  24. HCW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/18/2025House

  25. HCW - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/18/2025House

Bill Text

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