(1) This section applies to the board's issuance of administrative violations to licensed cannabis producers, processors, retailers, transporters, and researchers, when a settlement conference is held between a hearing officer or designee of the board and the cannabis licensee that received a notice of an alleged administrative violation or violations.

(2) If a settlement agreement is entered between a cannabis licensee and a hearing officer or designee of the board at or after a settlement conference, the terms of the settlement agreement must be given substantial weight by the board.

(3) For the purposes of this section:

(a) "Settlement agreement" means the agreement or compromise between a licensed cannabis producer, processor, retailer, researcher, transporter, or researcher and the hearing officer or designee of the board with authority to participate in the settlement conference, that:

(i) Includes the terms of the agreement or compromise regarding an alleged violation or violations by the licensee of this chapter, chapter 69.51A RCW, or rules adopted under either chapter, and any related penalty or licensing restriction; and

(ii) Is in writing and signed by the licensee and the hearing officer or designee of the board.

(b) "Settlement conference" means a meeting or discussion between a licensed cannabis producer, processor, retailer, researcher, transporter, researcher, or authorized representative of any of the preceding licensees, and a hearing officer or designee of the board, held for purposes such as discussing the circumstances surrounding an alleged violation of law or rules by the licensee, the recommended penalty, and any aggravating or mitigating factors, and that is intended to resolve the alleged violation before an administrative hearing or judicial proceeding is initiated.

Intent—Finding—2022 c 16: See note following RCW 69.50.101.

Findings—2019 c 394: See note following RCW 69.50.563.