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Commerce pitches technology upgrades, expanded cannabis oversight and stronger unclaimed‑funds collection
Summary
Director Sherry Maxfield outlined the Department of Commerce’s self‑funded budget request covering nine divisions, described technology modernization plans, support for volunteer fire service, expansion of cannabis licensing and a recent spike in unclaimed funds collection.
Sherry (Cheryl/Sherry) Maxfield, director of the Ohio Department of Commerce, presented the department’s budget request and highlighted priorities including technology modernization, support for first responders, expanded cannabis oversight and improvements to the Division of Unclaimed Funds.
Maxfield said Commerce is a non‑GRF agency and submitted a budget that would provide $317 million and $321 million in appropriation authority for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, respectively. She said the department's nine divisions include financial institutions, industrial compliance, liquor control, cannabis control, real estate and professional licensing, securities, the state fire marshal, unclaimed funds and administration.
On technology, Maxfield said Commerce is modernizing paper processes and rolling web‑based licensing, permitting and online services across several divisions, and she explicitly said the agency “does not use AI at this time.” She described the unclaimed funds division’s new platform (went live in February) and said planned data‑sharing partnerships with other state agencies should accelerate claims processing.
Maxfield described the Division of Cannabis Control’s expanded role after Issue 2’s passage on Nov. 7, 2023, and provided current counts: 37 cultivators, 46 processors, six testing labs and about 140 dispensaries, plus roughly 100,000 registered medical patients. She said the division will need resources to handle licensing, compliance, background checks and enforcement for both medical and nonmedical programs.
On public safety and community supports, Maxfield highlighted the Volunteer Fire Service Task Force work, increased grants and fee waivers for training and a proposed grant program under the Board of Building Standards to help local building departments recruit and train qualified personnel. She said the Board of Building Standards adopted streamlined rules to reduce regulatory burdens.
Senator Brenner asked about a 20.5% increase in division administration for fiscal 2026 versus 2025; Maxfield said the increase is largely IT related. Brenner also asked about a significant rise in unclaimed funds collected; Maxfield said Commerce has been effective at working with out‑of‑state auditors and other states to collect funds owed to Ohio citizens.
Maxfield closed by underscoring Commerce’s self‑supporting revenue model and offering to answer questions.
