As the Louisiana cannabis legalization bill, HB 524, heads towards the House floor for consideration, lawmakers are preparing other bills for passage as well. This includes HB 440, the legalization bill’s partner bill.
HB 440
The current legalization bill in the House doesn’t offer any sort of tax structure or system if recreational cannabis is legalized. So HB 524’s sponsor, Representative Richard Nelson (R), wrote another bill, HB 440, to create a more thorough structure for both businesses and home growth individuals.
Under HB 440, cannabis business licenses would cost $2,500 annually. Home growth permits would cost individuals $100 annually. These fees will cover any administrative costs that come with legalizing cannabis within the state. However, any extra money coming in from the fees would go to individual municipalities and law enforcement.
Committee members also added amendments that outline the penalties for violating the law for businesses and individuals. Finally, HB 440 now describes what responsibilities the Commissioner of the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) has. This includes collecting fees and administering penalties.
Governor Interest
Surprisingly, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards (D) has now shown interest in the cannabis legalization bill. Previously, he has been against recreational cannabis legalization, but for medical cannabis. Even recently, he hopes to see the bill for medical cannabis program expansion come across his desk.
Over the course of three years, Governor Edwards has gone from actively speaking out against recreational cannabis to now showing interest in the measure. This isn’t to say that he outright supports the bill. But he’s interested in what will come from it. He plans to take a thorough look at HB 524 should it make it to his desk.
Both bills, HB 524 and HB 440, will hit the House floor before the legislative period ends soon. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.
Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.