WA HB2439

Establishes a voluntary "responsible vendor program" through the Liquor and Cannabis Board for vapor, cigarette, and tobacco retailers, offering 50% penalty reductions for participants who complete ongoing employee training, check IDs, post required signs, and maintain compliance records.

Requires vapor product manufacturers selling nicotine products in Washington to obtain certification from the board, pay $1,000 per product type initially ($500 for renewals), post a $25,000 surety bond if non-resident, and appoint an in-state agent for service of process.

Bans "entertainment vapor products" with gaming/music/video features and prohibits marketing vapor products that imitate candy, school supplies, or characters appealing to minors, effective January 1, 2027, with violations constituting consumer protection act violations.

Increases license fees significantly (e.g., retailer fees from $175 to $1,000, distributor fees from $150-650 to $1,000), prohibits sales below acquisition cost, bans coupon distribution for tobacco/vapor products, and prohibits free items with purchases.

Removes local government preemption, allowing political subdivisions to adopt their own tobacco and vapor product licensing and sales regulations, and directs the Department of Ecology to study extended producer responsibility for vapor product recycling by November 2027.