Bill > HB06377

This bill proposes comprehensive cannabis reform with four key provisions. First, it mandates the immediate termination of all cannabis-related investigations and charges that do not involve violence or pose public safety risks. Second, the bill ensures that individuals with past cannabis convictions will have their records expunged, and those currently incarcerated for cannabis offenses will have their sentences reviewed and potentially vacated, with their civil rights fully restored. Third, the legislation aims to create equity in the cannabis industry by requiring that at least 50% of new cannabis licenses be allocated to individuals with prior cannabis convictions or those from communities historically impacted by cannabis law enforcement, and establishes a new equity fund to provide financial assistance to these applicants. Finally, the bill requires law enforcement officers to undergo mandatory training on cannabis laws, addressing potential biases and promoting nonviolent enforcement approaches, with ongoing education to be funded through cannabis tax revenues. The overall goal is to address the disproportionate impact of past cannabis prohibition, create economic opportunities for affected communities, and reform how cannabis-related legal matters are handled.

Justice

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06377&which_year=2025