This week, a single new bill, HCR 2035, has been introduced. This concurrent resolution requires only a 51% majority vote to advance to the ballot, allowing voters to make the decision. HCR 2035 aims to restrict nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary registrations, certify third-party laboratories, and issue marijuana establishment or testing facility licenses in unincorporated territory within an Indian reservation in Arizona. This concept originated last year and has come back this year with additional co-sponsors.
History of Reading
Originating in the United Kingdom, the reading of a bill constitutes a significant stage of debate within a legislature’s general body. The historical roots of this practice reach back to a time when literacy was not widespread, particularly among many members of Parliament who were illiterate. In response to this, the Clerk of Parliament played a crucial role by orally presenting the contents of a bill to inform members. Established centuries ago, this practice aimed to ensure legislators were familiar with the details of proposed legislation. The process involves three readings as a bill progresses through various stages, either towards becoming law or facing failure. These readings just serve as formalities rather than opportunities for actual debate.
Understanding the bill-to-law process is crucial for cannabis consumers that wish to participate in the democratic process and be informed about the laws that govern them. Arizona Bill, the adorable cartoon character, can provide a concise step-by-step guide as he explains his journey to become a law. Arizona Bill Summary For a more in-depth understanding of the process, refer to: Bill-to-Law Process
Summary
Scheduled for Monday 01/22/2024 at 2pm in House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Room HHR1
HB2175- Marijuana Monies; University Police
Introduced House
HCR2035- Marijuana; Unincorporated Areas; Reservations; Prohibition
Assigned House Commerce (COM)
HB2301-Landlords; Tenant’s Marijuana Use
Assigned House Health and Human Services (HHS)
HB2451- Marijuana; Advertising; Restrictions Assigned Senate Health and Human Services (HHS)
SB1076- Marijuana Funds; Uses; EnforcementHouse
2nd Read
HB2175- Marijuana Monies; University Police
|HB2247- Marijuana Regulatory Board; Licensing Qualifications
No New Movement
HB2452- Marijuana Funds; Uses; Enforcement
Detais
HB2175- Marijuana Monies; University Police
01/22/2024 Scheduled for Monday at 2pm in House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Room HHR1(chance for public comment)
01/16/2024 House 2nd read
01/10/2024 Assigned House Military Affairs And Public Safety (MAPS)
01/10/2024 House 1st Read
01/09/2024 Introduced (House)
Adds university police departments under the Arizona Board of Regents as a recipient of excess funds in the Smart and Safe Arizona fund. Due to voter protection, this legislation requires the affirmative vote of at least 3/4 of the members of each house of the Legislature for passage.
Sections Affected: 36-2856 Amended
Prime Sponsor: Payne
Co-Sponsor:
FULL TEXT
HB2247- Marijuana Regulatory Board; Licensing Qualifications
01/16/2024 House 2nd read
01/10/2024 Assigned House Appropriations (APPROP)
01/10/2024 Assigned House Regulatory Affairs (RA)
01/10/2024 House 1st Read
01/09/2024 Introduced (House)
Requires that an applicant for a new nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary registration certificate, or establishment license be an Arizona state resident and must demonstrate residency by producing two of the following documents: Driver’s license or state issued ID, property tax bill, verified copy of state or federal income tax returns for the prior year with an Arizona address, or a utility bill and copy of payments made for the previous year. Establishes an Arizona Marijuana Regulatory Board of seven members including two members with public health experience, two members with laboratory testing expertise, two public members who do not have an ownership interest in any marijuana dispensary, establishment, independent third-party laboratory or testing facility, and one member that is a qualifying patient or family member of a qualifying patient. Requires that members of the board be appointed by the Governor and that no more than four be of the same political party or residents of the same county, who will serve a term of five years. Requires that each board member sign a confidentiality agreement, adhere to state conflict of interest laws, may not vote on matters where the Board member or family member have a pecuniary interest and may not miss more than four meetings within a six month period. Enables the Governor to remove a member for cause, allocates board members to receive $200 a day for each day spent in discharge of their duties and all appropriate expenses, and requires the board to administer the laws of the state pertaining to marijuana regulation. Enables the Board to have authorities and responsibilities pertaining to general provisions and administrative duties per state law. Requires the board to appoint a director who shall adopt rules an employ staff of the Board as needed, and whose compensation shall be set in accordance to the laws governing public officers and employees. Enables the Board to issue microbusiness licenses that allow the license holder to cultivate up to 150 marijuana plants, process marijuana and marijuana products and sell marijuana and marijuana products to persons who are at least 21 years of age. Terminates the Board on July 1, 2034 and stipulates that the initial terms of the Board are two terms ending on January 1, 2028, and three terms ending January 1, 2029. Provides for the transition from the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) to the Board on regulatory, obligations, administrative matters including rules, order, contracts, judicial and quasi-judicial actions, licensing and certifications, equipment, records, facilities and personnel matters. Requires the Board to take necessary actions relating to the public health and safety relating to marijuana in this state and that the legislative council staff shall prepare proposed legislation that adheres to state law. The effective date for this bill is January 1, 2026. Due to voter protection, certain sections of this legislation require the affirmative vote of at least 3/4 of the members of each house of the Legislature for passage.
Sections Affected: 36-2823 Added
36-2866 Added
41-3034.01 Added
Prime Sponsor: Payne
Co-Sponsor:
FULL TEXT
HB2301-Landlords; Tenant’s Marijuana Use
01/17/2024 Assigned House Commerce (COM)
01/10/2024 Introduced (House)
A landlord may not terminate a tenant rental agreement because the tenant uses marijuana.
Sections Affected: 33-1317.01 Added
Prime Sponsor: Austin
Co-Sponsor: Aguilar
Crews
Gutierrez
Ortiz
Villegas
FULL TEXT
HB2451- Marijuana; Advertising; Restrictions
01/17/2024 Assigned House Health and Human Services (HHS)
01/12/2024 Introduced (House)
(No official summary) Marijuana establishments and nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries can advertise with certain restrictions, including not targeting individuals under 21, avoiding public transportation locations, and ensuring electronic ads reach an audience over 21. All ads must include a warning about the age restriction, and billboards are prohibited within 1000 feet of certain locations. Ads cannot promote potency or THC levels, and only authorized entities can advertise marijuana products within the specified regulations.
Sections Affected: 36-2859 Amended
Prime Sponsor: Montenegro
FULL TEXT
HB2452- Marijuana Funds; Uses; Enforcement
No New Movement
01/12/2024 Introduced (House)
(No official summary) Money from both the Medical Marijuana Fund and the Smart and Safe Arizona Fund can be used interchangeably. These funds may be allocated to the Arizona Poison Control System for operations, supporting healthcare providers, and public health education about illicit marijuana and intoxicating cannabinoids. The Attorney General has the authority to use funds for investigating and taking enforcement actions against the illicit sale of marijuana and intoxicating cannabinoids. Grants are available for municipal police departments, county sheriff departments, and tribal police agencies to support similar enforcement efforts. The Attorney General is also empowered to use funds to investigate and enforce actions related to the illicit sale, marketing, and distribution of marijuana and intoxicating cannabinoids.
Sections Affected: 36-2817 Amended
36-2856Amended
Prime Sponsor: Montenegro
FULL TEXT
HCR2035- Marijuana; Unincorporated Areas; Reservations; Prohibition
01/12/2024 Introduced
(Unofficial summary) This passage outlines restrictions on issuing nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary registration certificates, certifying third-party laboratories, and granting marijuana establishment or testing facility licenses in unincorporated territory surrounded by an Indian reservation in Arizona. Additionally, it mentions the Secretary of State submitting a proposition related to this matter to voters at the next general election.
Sections Affected: (blank)
Prime Sponsor: Peshlakai
Co-Sponsor: Contreras L
Crews
Gutierrez
Hernandez L
Hernandez M
Ortiz
Quiñonez
Sandoval
Schwiebert
Seaman
Stahl Hamilton
Terech
Travers
Tsosie
Villegas
Hatathlie
FULL TEXT
SB1076- Marijuana Funds; Uses; Enforcement
01/16/2024 Assigned Senate Health and Human Services (HHS)
01/11/2024 Introduced (House)
(No official summary) Money from both the Medical Marijuana Fund and the Smart and Safe Arizona Fund can be used interchangeably. These funds may be allocated to the Arizona Poison Control System for operations, supporting healthcare providers, and public health education about illicit marijuana and intoxicating cannabinoids. The Attorney General has the authority to use funds for investigating and taking enforcement actions against the illicit sale of marijuana and intoxicating cannabinoids. Grants are available for municipal police departments, county sheriff departments, and tribal police agencies to support similar enforcement efforts. The Attorney General is also empowered to use funds to investigate and enforce actions related to the illicit sale, marketing, and distribution of marijuana and intoxicating cannabinoids.
Sections Affected: 36-2817 Amended
36-2856 Amended
Prime Sponsor: Shope
FULL TEXT
All the information provided by Azleg.gov and Arziona Capital Reports on Thursday 5pm.
If any of the bills upset you or you wish to contribute to change, connect with Arizona NORML for additional ways to get involved.