A 297-page measure was introduced into Connecticut’s Senate as SB 1118. This bill is a compromise of SB 888 which the governor introduced in February and HB 6377, a House sponsored bill similar to the governor’s original proposal. However, SB 1118 became its own piece of legislation instead of a compromise of the original bills, which have already passed committee hearings.
SB 1118 became filed as a new legalization bill with an emergency certification on it. That means that the bill can bypass typical committee votes and discussions because it is so late during the regular session. It’s a bill the governor wants to see as soon as possible, but there still may not be enough time.
Legislative Session
Legislative sessions begin and end at various times for each state. New Mexico, one of the other states to legalize recreational cannabis this year, held their regular legislative session from January 19 to March 20. Congress was called back to a special session from March 30-31 for cannabis legalization efforts. Connecticut’s regular session began January 6th and goes until June 9th, which is looming closer by the day.
When a session comes to an end, all bills which haven’t been finalized, or sent to the governor’s desk for their signature, are considered dead. They can’t be brought back up until the following legislative session, which typically begins the following year. With June 9th later this week, there is a sense of urgency among Connecticut lawmakers to get this bill to Governor Lamont as soon as possible.
Social Equity
One reason there has been such a delay in cannabis legalization this session is that several Democratic leaders say the social equity measures in the original SB 888 weren’t good enough. Leaders even said that they would block the bill if more social equity measures weren’t placed in it. That’s when negotiations with Governor Lamont (D) began with the House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D).
After a few weeks, the draft of SB 1118 released. Many changes happened surrounding social equity to try and get the Democratic leaders on board. To see a complete list of changes, both regarding social equity and general legalization laws in general, click HERE. For the time being, Democratic leaders say that they will consider SB 1118 during its debate either June 7th or 8th before the session ends.
Opposition
A major concern among legalization supporters is the chance for a filibuster. This happens when an opposing party asks theoretical questions or makes long-winded speeches in order to take up time. They want to run out the clock before a vote takes place. This has happened twice this year over cannabis legalization measures. Alabama saw a filibuster over the medical cannabis bill before its approval. It made its way to Governor Kay Ivey’s (R) desk where she signed it without contest.
The other filibuster happened in Nebraska. The clock ran out before the bill could be discussed and the session ended, effectively killing medical cannabis legalization. Efforts are already underway to add medical cannabis to the ballot for 2022.
Future
Should SB 1118 fail to make it to Governor Lamont’s desk before the session ends, he could possibly call for a special session, like New Mexico did. Or the measure could go to the public like the medical cannabis measure will in Nebraska. A recent poll shows 64 percent of Connecticut citizens favor adult legalization. Legalization would have a good chance of passing in the 2022 election. However, there is typically less voter turnout for non Presidential Election years, which 2022 will be.
Lawmakers are hopeful of a vote this week and sending SB 1118 to Governor Lamont, but only time will tell. As more information becomes available on this new legalization bill, we will update you with the latest.
Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.