This week opened with two cannabis-related bills still alive—just barely. SB 1230, which would fund medical marijuana research grants, was revived by a Motion to Reconsider and hanging on by a thread. SB 1057, aimed at supporting marijuana dual licensees in rural communities, also remained in play. But by the end this week, the number of active cannabis bills grew to three, setting the stage for what began as a high-stakes legislative cliffhanger—only to fizzle into an anti-climactic pause
SB 1299 Rises from the Dead
After months of inaction, SB 1299—thought to be dead after missing its chance in the final House Rules Committee—stunned observers by clawing its way back into relevance. The bill would take a portion of tax revenue from recreational cannabis sales and redirect it to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for enforcement of the act. It suddenly appeared on the House Rules agenda late in the session, getting a surprise hearing on Wednesday, June 18.
In Arizona’s Legislature, leadership has broad authority to control the legislative process, including calling the Rules Committee late in the session. The Senate President or House Speaker can direct committees to meet outside the usual deadlines, especially for priority bills. In rare cases, lawmakers may even vote to suspend procedural rules entirely, allowing legislation to move forward despite missing standard cutoff dates.
Fast-Tracked, Then Stalled
In an unexpected flurry of movement, SB 1299 was immediately fast-tracked through both House caucuses. By the end of Wednesday, it was amended on the House floor in Committee Of Whole/ COW. Lawmakers then scheduled it for Third Read the following day—but instead of advancing, it was held, leaving its fate uncertain.
End of Week: A Cannabis Cliffhanger
As the week closed, all three bills—SB 1230, SB 1057, and the revived SB 1299—remained unresolved. With time running out, each faces an uncertain future. Will these measures meet a dramatic defeat on the House floor, or will the clock quietly run them out? One thing is certain: the final days of session will decide the fate of this year’s cannabis legislation.
Summary
SB1230- Marijuana; Clinical Research Trial
Status: Awaiting Motion to Reconsider House Third Read
No Movement
SB1057 Marijuana; dual licensees; rural communities
(was) Commerce; trade; passport identification
Status: Awaiting House Third Read
Due Pass, House COW
SB1299 Smart and safe Arizona fund (was) law enforcement personnel; grant program
Status: Awaiting House Third Read
Due Pass as Amended House COW
House Majority & Minority Caucus
Pass House Rules Committee (6-18-25)
Failed to be heard in House Rules Committee (4-15-25)
Details
SB1057 – Marijuana; dual licensees; rural communities (was) Commerce; trade; passport identification
Status: Awaiting House Third Read
6/18/2025 Due Pass House COW
04/17/2025 House Minority Caucus
04/17/2025 House Majority Caucus
04/14/2025 C&P House Rules
03/25/2025 House DPA/SE Commerce
03/25/2025 Marijuana; dual licensees; rural communities
02/19/2025 commerce; trade; passport identification
02/11/2025 Fiscal Note Added
01/10/2025 Senate Introduced as working animal; harm; classification
Summary: Requires the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to issue rules pertaining to marijuana establishment licenses and nonprofit marijuana dispensary registration certificates. Defines the criteria needing to be included in determining eligibility for a license or certificate. Defines the purposes and scope of the licenses. Requires the ADHS to issue rules that allow the establishment of a Rural Opportunity Initiative to create tax revenue and economic opportunities for rural communities. Outlines deadlines for adopting and posting rules, accepting, processing and granting applications. Defines the criteria for eligibility for a license or certificate, including duel licenses or certificates. Requires at least three-fourths of the members of the legislature to support this legislation for it to become effective.
Sponsor: Sen. David Gowan
VPA- Voter Protection Act (Prop 105): Yes
MORE INFO
SB1230- Marijuana; Clinical Research Trial
Status: Awaiting Motion Reconsider
No Movement
05/04/2025 Passed House Motion to Reconsider
05/04/2025 Failed To Pass House 3rd Read (13-39-8)
–04/22/2025 DPA – House Committee of the Whole
04/16/2025 House Majority Caucus
04/16/2025 House Minority Caucus
04/14/2025 C&P House Rules
03/31/2025 Passed House Appropriations Committee (10-8-0)
03/24/2025 DPA House Health & Human Services (7-4-1)
03/13/2025 House 2nd Read
03/12/2025 House 1st Read
03/12/2025 Referred to House Health & Human Services Committee
03/12/2025 Referred to House Appropriations Committee
03/12/2025 Referred to House Rules
03/05/2025 Transmit to House
03/05/2025 PASSED Senate Third Reading (23-6-1)
03/03/2025 DPA Senate Committee of the Whole
02/18/2025 Senate Majority Caucus
02/18/2025 Senate Minority Caucus
02/17/2025 Senate Consent Calendar Object: Yes
02/17/2025 PFC – Senate Rules
02/11/2025 DP (Due Pass) Senate Appropriations (7-3-0)
02/05/2025 DP (Due Pass) Senate Health and Human Services (6-0-1)
01/28/2025 Senate 2nd Read
01/27/2025 Senate 1st Read
01/27/2025 Referred to Senate Rules Committee
01/27/2025 Referred to Senate Appropriations Committee
01/27/2025 Referred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee
01/22/2025 Senate Introduced
Summary
Requires monies in the Medical Marijuana Fund to be used to provide grants for marijuana clinical trials conducted pursuant to state law, versus it being an option to use those funds in that manner. Stipulates that this legislation becomes effective only on the affirmative vote of at least three fourths of the members of each House of the legislature.
Sections Affected
36-2817- Amended
36-2822- Amended
Sponsor
Prime: Payne
VPA- Voter Protection Act (Prop 105): Yes
FOR MORE INFO
SENATE FACT SHEET: HHS-APPROP As Passed COW
SB1229 Smart and Safe Arizona Fund (was) Law Enforcement Personnel; Grant Program
Status: Awaiting House Third Read
06/19/2025 House Third Read (Held)
06/18/2025 DPA Due Pass as Amended House COW
06/18/2025 House Majority & Minority Caucus
06/18/2025 C&P House Rules (5-8-0-1)
03/31/2025 DPA House Appropriations Committee (11-6-0-1)
01/27/2025 Senate Introduced As law enforcement personnel; grant program
Summary: Permits monies in the Medical Marijuana Fund or the Smart and Safe Arizona Fund to be used interchangeably to implement this bill. Adds grants for the Arizona Poison Control System for operations and to support health care providers and providing public health and safety education related to, the Attorney General to investigate and enforce actions pertaining to, and municipal police departments, county sheriff departments, and tribal police agencies to investigate and take action against, the illicit sale of marijuana and intoxicating cannabinoids to required expenditures by the State Treasurer from the Smart and Safe Arizona fund are spent. Authorizes the Attorney General to use monies from either fund to investigate and take enforcement action related to the illicit sale, marketing, and distribution of marijuana and illicit cannabinoids.
Sections Affected:
36-2817 Amended
36-2856 Amended
Sponsor:Kavanagh
Striker Sponsor: Livingston
VPA- Voter Protection Act (Prop 105): Yes
MORE INFO