Committee reports out three bills on cannabis and gaming language, flags fiscal notes

The Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs on March 23 confirmed that three bills are ready to be finalized and reported out to the legislature.

Rachel Olsen told the committee that LD 1609 (background checks for medical cannabis providers) had final language prepared and a fiscal note indicating minor cost increases to the general fund and minor increases to special revenue funds; the committee agreed to report it out.

Olsen summarized LD 1851 as a minority report intended to change how a portion of gross slot-machine revenue is allocated: the draft reduces the share deposited to the general fund from 1% to 0.5% and would direct the remaining 0.5% to two tribal governments noted in the draft; she reported a fiscal estimate of a $3,179,647 reduction to the general fund and said internet-gaming revenue uncertainty prevents a full offset calculation at this time.

The committee also received a fiscal note for LD 1488, a unanimous committee report that is an emergency measure regarding cannabis testing and manufacturers of cannabis and hemp products; Olsen said the fiscal impact is a minor cost increase to other special revenue funds that can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.

Chair Craig Hickman confirmed that these bills can be reported when final language and the incorporated fiscal notes are ready; the committee did not take a final roll-call vote on the floor during this session.