WA HB2616

Creates a harvest assistance account to support rapid response to severe weather or market disruptions affecting agricultural harvests, and requires the Department of Agriculture to develop a strategy for expanding institutional purchasing of Washington-grown food by state agencies, corrections facilities, and public schools by December 1, 2028

Exempts agricultural fuel use from Climate Commitment Act requirements permanently (removing the 2030 sunset date), exempts agricultural production and food storage equipment from refrigerant regulations, and creates a grant program for cold storage retrofits with a dedicated agricultural refrigeration transition account

Transfers licensing and regulatory authority for cannabis production, processing, and testing from the Liquor and Cannabis Board to the Department of Agriculture effective July 1, 2027, while the Board retains authority over cannabis retail sales

Appropriates $885,000 for fiscal year 2027 to the tree fruit leadership program and requires studies on agricultural tax incentives, market access barriers, and workforce development by December 1, 2028

Establishes a grant program for treatment and removal alternatives to burning permanent crop vegetation (tree fruit, hops, and grapes) and exempts agricultural employees from the state's mass layoff notice requirements (WARN Act)