This bill proposes to exempt veterans of the United States armed forces from application and renewal fees associated with the therapeutic cannabis registry. Specifically, it amends RSA 126-X:4, I(b) to include new legal language that states, "A veteran of the United States armed forces shall be exempt from the application or renewal fee upon verification of the individual's status as a veteran in accordance with RSA 21:50, I(b)." The bill also clarifies that a renewal application and fee will not be required if the applicant receives an extension to their previously issued written certification for fewer than three years.
The fiscal impact of this bill is projected to be neutral, as it does not provide funding or authorize new positions. It is estimated that the exemption for approximately 1,500 veteran patients could decrease application fee revenue by about $75,000 over each three-year period. However, this reduction in revenue will lead to higher annual registration fees for Alternative Treatment Centers, resulting in a net fiscal impact of $0. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 126-X:4