Bill > HB112

This bill makes several significant changes to New Mexico's cannabis licensing regulations, focusing primarily on enhancing the application and background check processes. The bill adds new definitions to the Cannabis Regulation Act, including clarifying terms like "applicant" and "licensee," and expands requirements for criminal background checks for cannabis business license applicants. Specifically, the bill now requires applicants to undergo both state and federal criminal history record checks, including submitting electronic fingerprints to the Department of Public Safety, which will then forward the prints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national background check. The legislation mandates that criminal history information remain confidential and be used exclusively for evaluating an applicant's eligibility for a cannabis license. Additionally, the bill requires license applications to be signed by the applicant or an authorized representative and stipulates that the Cannabis Control Division must process these applications within 90 days. The bill also provides guidance on how past criminal convictions should be considered, noting that completed sentences for cannabis-related offenses should not automatically disqualify an applicant and emphasizing the need to consider evidence of rehabilitation, character references, and educational achievements when reviewing an applicant's criminal history.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=112&year=25