This bill amends various sections of Alaska's marijuana regulations, primarily changing the registration period for marijuana establishments from annual to biennial. Specifically, it modifies AS 17.38.200(d), AS 17.38.210(e), and other related sections to reflect this change, ensuring that local governments can also establish biennial fees for operating and registration. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if the board does not issue a registration within 90 days, applicants may resubmit their applications directly to local regulatory authorities, which must also issue registrations within a similar timeframe.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a tax exemption for qualified small businesses, defined as Alaska corporations meeting specific criteria under federal law, and modifies the excise tax on marijuana cultivation from $50 to $12 per ounce. It also establishes new provisions for taxing individuals who cultivate marijuana without a valid registration and outlines the responsibilities for tax payments and penalties for delinquency. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
HB0094A, AM HB 94, introduced 02/12/2025: 17.38.200, 17.38.190, 17.38.210, 17.38.320, 17.38.300, 43.20.012, 16.10.380, 16.10.400, 16.10.450, 16.10.455, 16.12.010, 16.12.080, 16.12.090, U.S.C, 43.61.010, 17.38.020, 43.61.020, 43.61.030, 43.05.220