Bill > HB05351

This bill makes several changes to the regulations governing cannabis businesses, primarily focusing on the Social Equity Council's (SEC) role and oversight. Key provisions include granting the SEC the authority to conduct investigations to fulfill its duties, and establishing stricter rules regarding changes in ownership or control for certain cannabis businesses. Specifically, equity joint ventures approved by the SEC will be prohibited from changing ownership or control for seven years after licensure, and approved social equity applicants (businesses aiming to benefit communities disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition) will face similar restrictions during their provisional licensing period and for three years after receiving a final license. The bill also modifies reporting requirements for the SEC, mandating the submission of an existing quarterly report to the chairperson of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus of the General Assembly while eliminating a previous monthly report to the same caucus. Furthermore, the SEC is now required to develop and issue policies and procedures, and adopt regulations, to manage these ownership and control requirements for cannabis establishments. Finally, the bill allows a social equity applicant to apply for a one-time replacement of an original backer under specific conditions.

Justice

General Law Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05351&which_year=2026