HB 3112 VOTE: NO
Died In Committee on 06/26/2021
Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Measures/Overview/HB3112
Committee assigned to bill: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Committees/HJUD/Overview
This bill establishes Cannabis Equity Board within office of Governor to provide equity oversight of cannabis industry in this state.
Personal Choice and Responsibility
Removes 40% of the Oregon Marijuana Account from funding the State School Fund making taxpayers obligated to make up the difference. When the word “equity” is used, it is about creating new power structures that benefit the chosen few.
Fiscal Responsibility
The bill, developed by a coalition of over 80 groups and individuals, calls for using cannabis tax revenues to provide for direct investment in the people and the communities most harmed by cannabis criminalization. The Oregon Marijuana Account supports the other funds established of which 40% went to the State School Fund, which is replaced in this bill to go to black or African-American, American Indian or Alaskan Native and Latino or Hispanic education plans. Each member of the Board shall be paid a salary as provided by law or, if not so provided, as prescribed by the Governor. The Cannabis Equity Board shall allocate moneys from the Cannabis Equity Fund to entrepreneurship for individuals who are American Indian, Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic or Latinx and those that support them; specify the manner in which a recipient spends the moneys; and investigate misused moneys.
Limited Government
The Cannabis Equity Act establishes a new program in the Governor’s office besides the OLCC function, to redress the harms done by systemic inequities with greater inclusion within the industry. It establishes a cannabis equity license controlling at least 51% of applicant are residents and ex-con, low income or minority. Establishes a cannabis on-premises consumption license, a cannabis delivery license, and shared processing licenses. The Cannabis Equity Act is a social justice legislation that attempts to address discrimination against communities of color while promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry. The Cannabis Equity Board oversee, measure and funding on cannabis equity outcomes; partner with any offices in each city and county charged with equity oversight to monitor, measure and report equity indicators related to cannabis; audit applications and demographics for licenses and verify information related to the applicant’s residency and previous convictions and whether the applicant is an individual; and establish guidelines for social equity plans submitted to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. The equity liaison of the Oregon Health Authority shall report quarterly to the Cannabis Equity Board.
Unbelievable…. racism at its finest from law makers. All people are and should be treated equal in this state, especially our children and education. Keep the funds for ALL children of ALL color in our educational system. Besides, taxpayers should not bear the burden by removing the funds. No!