Committee moves bill to shift hemp‑derived cannabinoid enforcement to ABC, adds wholesale tax, licensing and sales tax changes

Senate Bill 1413 as amended was recommended for passage to the calendar committee after the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee adopted a finance amendment that reallocates tax and licensing revenue and sets enforcement responsibilities with the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC).

Sponsor Senator Briggs told the committee the bill moves post‑harvest compliance, wholesale and retail enforcement from the Department of Agriculture to the ABC, which the sponsor and proponents argued has more experience enforcing age‑restricted, intoxicating products. The amendment creates licensing and fee structures, adds a wholesale tax and an additional sales tax on specified cannabinoid products and redirects revenue streams to fund ABC enforcement and other state needs.

Key fiscal and regulatory provisions discussed in the hearing include: - Licensing: $500 application fee; annual licenses of $1,000 per…