Committee advances substitute HB 14 22 to sustain drug take-back program, drops 10% fee cap
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Summary
A substitute to HB 14 22 was reported out of committee after amendments removed a statutory fee cap and added reporting and guardrails for the drug take-back program; supporters argued urgency to prevent program collapse while opponents sought stronger cost sideboards.
The committee reported substitute House Bill 14 22 out of committee with a do-pass recommendation after adopting amendments that altered fee language for the state's drug take-back program.
Representative Macri and other sponsors said the substitute narrows policy changes to two main items: removing a prior 10 percent fee cap and adding requirements for revised annual reports to ensure program compliance and oversight. Representative Macri said removing the cap responds to program sustainability concerns and noted urgency amid budget dynamics.
One adopted amendment (WIC 017) restored language linking allowed fees to actual operating costs and another amendment (week 18) proposing a fixed dollar amount was rejected after debate. Representative Schmick urged stronger sideboards and voted against the final substitute, saying he supported the program but favored clearer cost containment.
Staff recorded the committee vote on the substitute as 12 ayes, 7 nays, 0 absent. The committee incorporated the adopted amendments into the substitute and reported it out with a do-pass recommendation.
Ending: Sponsors said the changes were intended to preserve the drug take-back program as usage and costs increase; opponents sought firmer statutory limits on fees. The bill advances with committee modifications.