Governor Inslee signed House Bill 1004 into law this afternoon, allowing students under 21 enrolled in enology and viticulture programs at four year universities to taste but not consume wine as part of their instruction. The bill previously passed in the Senate with a vote on 38-6 last week and it passed through the House with a vote of 94-4.
Similar legislation was passed in 2013 that authorized community and technical colleges to apply for special tasting permits for students enrolled in wine-related programs. HB 1004 simply amends current law to provide the same authorization for regional and state universities.
WSU testified that this will improve the educational experience for enology and viticulture students.