Substitute House Bill No. 6930 establishes a Social Equity Council within the Department of Economic and Community Development to promote social equity in the cannabis industry and address the impacts of cannabis prohibition. The council will consist of seventeen members appointed by various legislative leaders and the Governor, ensuring representation from communities disproportionately affected by cannabis laws. Key provisions include the repeal of Section 21a-420d and the introduction of new language emphasizing diversity in appointments, the removal process for council members, and the council's authority to request information from state agencies. The bill modifies the criteria for member removal, allowing for a simple majority vote instead of automatic resignation for attendance issues, and mandates the council to conduct studies on the impacts of cannabis prohibition while promoting participation from affected communities.

Additionally, the bill outlines new reporting obligations for the council and its executive director, including monthly updates on expenditures and the status of social equity applications. It requires cannabis establishments to maintain active social equity plans and submit annual reports detailing their impact on local communities. The bill also introduces a three-year restriction on the sale or transfer of cannabis establishment licenses awarded to social equity applicants, with specific conditions for approval by the council. Other amendments include extending the effective period for ownership change policies from forty-eight months to sixty months and establishing a strategic plan and ethical code of conduct for the council by October 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance oversight and accountability within the cannabis licensing framework while ensuring compliance with social equity objectives.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
GL Joint Favorable:
File No. 592:
File No. 811: