This bill amends various sections of Alaska's marijuana regulations, primarily focusing on the registration process for marijuana establishments and the associated tax framework. Key changes include the transition from annual to biennial registrations for marijuana establishments, which will now be issued by the board within 45 to 90 days of receiving an application. Local governments are also permitted to establish biennial operating and registration fees. Additionally, if the board fails to issue a registration within the specified timeframe, applicants can resubmit their applications directly to local regulatory authorities, who must act on them within 90 days.

The bill also introduces a tax exemption for qualified small businesses, defined as Alaska corporations meeting specific criteria under federal law. It reduces the excise tax on marijuana from $50 to $12 per ounce and imposes a tax on individuals cultivating marijuana without a valid registration. Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of marijuana cultivation facilities regarding tax payments and establishes civil penalties for delinquent tax payments. 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