Bill > HB1551

This bill extends the cannabis social equity program, which aims to support individuals and communities disproportionately impacted by historical cannabis prohibition. The bill extends the program until July 1, 2034 and requires the Liquor and Cannabis Board, in consultation with the Department of Commerce, to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the program by December 1, 2025. The evaluation will include public feedback, an examination of license issuance, grant awards, demographic information about program participants, and identification of legal or practical barriers hindering cannabis businesses' success. The bill removes restrictions on issuing grants to social equity applicants and allows for the issuance of additional cannabis retailer, processor, and producer licenses. A "social equity applicant" is defined as an individual who meets at least two specific criteria, such as living in a disproportionately impacted area, having a cannabis-related arrest history, having a low household income, or being a socially and economically disadvantaged individual. The goal is to increase cannabis business licenses held by social equity applicants and reduce the accumulated harm caused by historical cannabis prohibition enforcement.