House subcommittee debates timing, oversight and commission structure for marijuana bill; members split on retaining it

Lawmakers on the Commerce and Consumer Affairs subcommittee debated whether to retain an early marijuana legalization bill so members could study the measure in more detail or move it now despite estimated startup costs and likely opposition in the Senate.

Supporters said legalization is a continuing House priority and argued the chamber should press the issue even if the Senate and the governor decline to act. Opponents and some swing members said the bill’s fiscal and regulatory details — including a roughly $7–8 million estimated initial cost before revenues begin — need more time for committee review.

The debate centered on three main fault lines: the law’s short-term fiscal impact, regulatory oversight and licensing…