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Committee member plans floor amendment to reduce outdoor cannabis cultivator fees; JFO review sought for $120,000 impact
Summary
A committee member said they will propose an amendment to lower outdoor cultivator licensing fees, which staff estimated could cut revenue about $120,000; members discussed trade-offs and possible offsets via other fee changes and asked JFO to analyze fiscal effects.
During routine business, a committee member signaled plans to offer a floor amendment that would recalibrate outdoor cannabis cultivator fees. The member said outdoor cultivators face higher production burdens but the current tier-three fee of about $8,400 is onerous for smaller outdoor operations.
Committee discussion flagged a projected revenue reduction of roughly $120,000 if outdoor fees are reduced as proposed. Members agreed that Joint Fiscal Office and Finance should review the amendment’s fiscal implications and potential offsets; one option discussed was whether to raise indoor cultivator fees to cover the gap.
The sponsor said the intention is to protect smaller outdoor growers while recognizing the need to balance the state’s fee revenue. Committee staff recommended prior testimony from regulators and industry representatives to better understand production differences between indoor and outdoor operations before the amendment is introduced on the floor.
No formal action was taken during the meeting; members asked staff to coordinate JFO analysis and to schedule stakeholder testimony if the amendment proceeds.
