text: It’s widely known that real estate values have taken a beating in the last 5 years. Many junior liens, mortgages and deeds of trust are totally “underwater”, because the value of the home is worth less than the payoff of the first mortgage.
  
  Three bills sponsored by Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, have been signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee following the adjournment of the 2019 legislative session.
  House Bills 1430 and 1557 are designed to transform the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) into a more business-friendly agency focused on excellent customer service.
  House Bill 1430 will extend the expiration date of the Licensing and Enforcement Systems Modernization Project Account to September 2023. Revenue for the account, which was created in 2015, comes from a fee applied to certain liquor licenses and the licenses of marijuana producers, processors, and retailers. It is dedicated for expenses associated with the replacement and modernization of the LCB's computer system. That work is already underway, but was not going to be completed by the time the account was scheduled to expire in June.
  “Extending the expiration date of this account will allow the LCB to complete the much-needed modernization of its 40-year-old system,” said MacEwen. “These updates will ensure license processing time is reduced, while also providing other benefits such as online payment options. It's a good bill for the LCB and for our small businesses, which will see a return on their investment into the account.”
  House Bill 1557 will update the licensing process for businesses applying for an annual liquor license. Currently, business owners pay up front and then go through a review process to get final approval for their liquor license. However, if the review takes longer than expected, they may find themselves paying for a liquor license they aren't able to use. To mitigate this, House Bill 1557 will require the expiration date of a liquor license to be set 12 months from the date of approval.
  The bill also addresses a provision in current law that requires an applicant to have control of the premises to be qualified for a liquor license. Under HB 1557, a business owner will be allowed to apply for a liquor license for a physical location without first signing a lease or buying the property.