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Committee scales back event‑permit pilot in S.278 after debate over safety and training
Summary
After testimony from industry and lengthy member questioning on training, security and municipal impacts, the committee amended the event‑permit pilot from 10 public/10 private permits to a five public/five private compromise and tasked the CCB with procedures and an interim report.
Members of the House Government Operations & Military Affairs Committee debated a proposed two‑year event‑permit pilot in S.278 and agreed to narrow the pilot after extended discussion on May 12.
Legislative Council described the pilot as a multitype permitting tool that originally allowed up to 20 permits per year split between public and private events. Several members said the Senate number felt too large and pressed for tighter safeguards, including uniform data collection, ID and server‑training protocols, and clearer responsibilities for event operators.
Growers and retailers provided testimony that small producers need direct market access and that controlled events can help local businesses compete. One industry representative told the committee that permits are an opportunity for smaller producers to demonstrate compliance and build customer relationships.
After discussion about whether the pilot should be limited to retail licensees or be open to cultivators and manufacturers, the committee reached a compromise: five public and five private permits per year. The Cannabis Control Board will adopt procedures governing safety, age verification, and on‑site consumption, and submit an interim report to the General Assembly evaluating the pilot.
Committee members flagged the need for consistent reporting and for the CCB to ensure permits are issued across multiple license types rather than concentrated in a single segment of the industry. The committee recorded the compromise and moved the amended language forward for drafting and rulemaking.
The committee’s change to the pilot was recorded via the markup practice of 'favorable thumbs' and is subject to the bill’s subsequent drafting and approvals.
