With one more deadline gone, One more bill is officially dead this week and others are on life support! If a measure is not heard in the opposite Chamber Subcommittee by the end of the week. It’s gone to that great big file cabinet in the sky. (SB1556)
Democratic Opposition to HB2179 Raises Questions About its Future in the Senate
In a surprising twist, a normally calm and uneventful committee session might have seen all the Democrats voice opposition to the marijuana advertising bill, HB2179. This measure seeks to limit the advertising of marijuana, THC products, and intoxicating cannabinoids to licensed marijuana establishments or nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries. It establishes clear advertising guidelines, including required language in ads, restrictions on billboard advertising, and penalties for noncompliance.
The last time we saw HB2179, it narrowly passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on March 19th with a 4-3-0 vote. However, several senators hinted that the outcome might change when the bill reaches a full Senate vote.
It seems this opposition has continued into the Senate Rules Committee. The Rules Committee plays a vital role in Arizona’s legislative process. While it doesn’t decide policy, it ensures that bills are constitutional and properly written, preserving the integrity of state laws. Typically, measures pass without much controversy, and things proceed smoothly.
However, the vote count on HB2179 in the Rules Committee tells a different story. The vote ended with 5 in favor and 4 against. Looking at the committee roster, it’s clear there are 5 Republicans and 4 Democrats. Rumors from those in the committee claim that all the Democrats oppose HB2179. Yet, the Republican majority outweighed the Democratic opposition.
Since the Senate Rules Committee is neither televised nor recorded, this is all the information we have to go on.
Could this mean that if HB2179 went to a floor vote today, it would split along party lines and fail to meet the ¾ voter protection act threshold needed to pass?
SB1556 Pulled from House Committee Amid County Opposition to Hemp
SB1556, a bill that would legalize hemp-derived THC-infused beverages for sale outside of dispensaries, was set to be heard in the House Appropriations Committee on Monday. However, the state capital lawn had the Arizona Dispensaries Association, old and new, scattered across it, anticipating a press conference by state officials and prohibitionist opposing hemp.
At a news conference, Maricopa County’s District Attorney, Rachel Mitchell, voiced opposition to SB1556.
“The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office stands ready to enforce the law as it exists today to hold violators accountable, but we are honoring the 30-day grace period set by the attorney general,” Mitchell stated.
Attorney General Kris Mayes has given retailers until April 24 to cease sales.
It’s no surprise that SB1556 gets pulled from that day’s House Appropriations Committee. And since that’s the last committee on the House side, SB1556 is dead, possibly forever. Guess we’ll find out next year.
Summary
SB1057 – Marijuana; dual licensees; rural communities
(was) Commerce; trade; passport identification
Awaiting House Rules Committee
No Movement
SB1299 Smart and safe Arizona fund
(was) law enforcement personnel; grant program
Awaiting House Rules Committee
Due Pass as Amended House Appropriations Committee (11-6-0-1)
HB2179-Marijuana; Advertising; Restrictions
Awaiting Senate Caucus
Passed Senate Rules Committee (5-4)
SB1230- Marijuana; Clinical Research Trials
Awaiting Rules Committee
03/31/2025 Passed House Appropriations Committee (10-8-0)
SB1556: Adult hemp beverages; policies; procedures
Failed to be heard in House Appropriations by deadline
Removed from House Appropriations Agenda
Details
SB1057 – Marijuana; dual licensees; rural communities (was) Commerce; trade; passport identification
Status: Awaiting House Rules Committee
No Movement
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
SB1299 Smart and safe Arizona fund (was) law enforcement personnel; grant program
Status Awaiting House Rules Committee
03/31/2025 DPAHouse 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
HB2179-Marijuana; Advertising; Restrictions
Status:Awaiting Senate Caucus
03/31/2025 Passed Senate Rules Committee (5-4)
03/19/2025 Due Pass Senate Health and Human Services (4-3-0)
02/26/2025 Senate 2nd Read
02/25/2025 Senate 1st Read
02/25/2025 Referred Health and Human Services Committee
02/25/2025 Senate Rules Committee
02/13/2025 Transmitted To Senate
02/13/2025 Due Pass House Third Read (vote 51-3-6)
02/10/2025 Due Pass as Amended House Committee of the Whole
02/04/2025 House Minority Caucus
02/04/2025 House Majority Caucus
02/03/2025 House Consent Calendar
02/03/2025 C&P (Constitutional & Proper)House Rules
01/21/2025 Due Pass House HHS Health & Human Services, (vote 12-0-0)
01/21/2025 House 2nd Read
01/16/2025 House House 1st Read
01/16/2025 House Referred to House (HHS) Health & Human Services Committee
01/16/2025 House Referred to House Rules Committee
01/14/2025 House Introduced
Summary: Restricts the marketing, promotion, sponsorship, advertisement, or advertising for Marijuana, products containing tetrahydrocannabinol, intoxicating cannabinoids, or marijuana paraphernalia to a licensed marijuana establishment or nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary. Defines advertising restrictions on a marijuana establishment or nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary and provides text that must be included in all advertising. Defines restrictions on billboard advertising and outlines the process and penalties for noncompliance including timelines, deadlines and possible penalties. Stipulates that for the purposes of this legislation advertising does not include communication targeted to an established customer base. Effective date is July 1, 2026
Sections Affected
36-2859- Amended
Sponsor
Prime: Bliss
VPA- Voter Protection Act (Prop 105): Yes
FOR MORE INFO (House Engrossed Version)
HOUSE COW AMENDMENT
SENATE FACT SHEET: HHS
Proposed Amendments Senate Health and Human Services
SB1230- Marijuana; Clinical Research Trials
Status:Awaiting Rules Committee
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 – Y
02/18/2025 Senate Minority Caucus – Y
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
SB1556: Adult hemp beverages; policies; procedures (DEAD)
Status: Failed to be heard in House Appropriations
03/31/2025 Removed from House Appropriations Agenda
03/27/2025 Hearing Scheduled – 03/31/2025, 10:00 AM – House APPROP, HHR 1
03/27/2025 W/D – House Commerce
03/19/2025 Removed from Hearing Agenda – 03/25/2025, 2:00 PM – House COM, HHR 5
03/19/2025 Hearing Scheduled – 03/25/2025, 2:00 PM – House COM, HHR 5
03/13/2025 House 2nd Read
03/12/2025 House 1st Read
03/12/2025 Referred to Committee – Rules – House Rules
03/12/2025 Referred to House Commerce Committee
03/12/2025 Referred to House Appropriations Committee
03/12/2025 – First Reading, House Floor
03/05/2025 Transmit to House
03/05/2025 PASSED Senate Third Reading (23-6-1)
03/04/2025 DPA – Senate Committee of the Whole
02/24/2025 Senate Minority Caucus
02/24/2025 Senate Majority Caucus
02/24/2025 Senate Consent Calendar – Object: Yes
02/24/2025 PFC – Senate Rules
02/13/2025 Due Pass (DP)Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
02/11/2025 Senate 2nd Read
02/10/2025 Senate 1st Read
02/10/2025 Referred to Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee
02/10/2025 Referred to Senate Rules Committee
02/03/2025 – Senate Introduced
Summary: Creates a new “adult hemp beverage” (defined) category and regulates it similarly to spirituous liquor. It defines adult hemp beverages as low-THC drinks derived from industrial hemp and authorizes current liquor licensees—producers, wholesalers, retailers, and delivery contractors—to add permissions for manufacturing, distributing, selling, or delivering these products without a separate hearing. Sets a gallon-based tax rate of $1.50 for adult hemp beverages, requires laboratory testing for total THC potency and contaminants, and specifies packaging, serving size, and labeling requirements, including quick-response codes linked to lab reports. Requires adult hemp beverage producers to obtain a manufacturer license or amend an existing producer or craft producer license; allows wholesalers, retailers, and delivery contractors to expand their existing permissions by filing a streamlined application. Includes a 90-day grace period for retailers and wholesalers to sell existing hemp beverage inventory, after which unapproved products are subject to seizure. Appropriates $1 million from the liquor licenses fund to the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control to administer the regulation. Requires all new testing labs to be approved and permitted, and existing department rules for spirituous liquor largely apply, unless deemed inapplicable.
Sections Affected
3-314 Amended
4-101 Amended
4-112 Amended
4-114 Amended
4-201 Amended
4-202 Amended
4-203 Amended
4-204 Amended
4-205.04 Amended
4-205.06 Amended
4-205.13 Amended
4-205.08 Amended
4-205 Amended
4-205.01 Amended
4-205.02 Amended
4-205.05 Amended
4-205.10 Amended
4-206.01 Amended
4-207.01 Amended
4-207.02 Amended
4-207.03 Amended
4-208 Amended
4-209 Amended
4-210 Amended
4-212 Amended
4-213 Amended
4-215 Amended
4-216 Added
4-222 Amended
4-223 Amended
4-224 Amended
4-225 Repealed
4-226 Amended
4-227 Amended
4-227.01 Amended
4-241 Amended
4-242 Amended
4-243.01 Amended
4-243.04 Amended
4-243 Amended
4-243.02 Amended
4-244.02 Amended
4-244 Amended
4-244.05 Amended
4-245 Added
4-250.01 Amended
4-251 Amended
4-301 Amended
4-302 Amended
4-311 Amended
4-312 Amended
36-136 Amended
42-3001 Amended
42-3051 Amended
42-3052 Amended
42-3351 Amended
42-3352 Amended
42-3354 Amended
42-3355 Amended
42-3357 Added
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas “T.J.” Shope (R)
VPA- Voter Protection Act (Prop 105): No
FOR MORE INFO
FISCAL NOTE: Senate Engrossed
SENATE FACT SHEET: RAGE As Passed COW Revised