AN ACT CONCERNING THE SOCIAL EQUITY COUNCIL'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING CANNABIS REGULATION.

HB 5351 establishes a 17-member Social Equity Council within the Department of Economic and Community Development to oversee cannabis regulation equity efforts. The council directly affects minority-owned cannabis businesses and communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis enforcement policies. Key mechanisms include allocating funds from a dedicated social equity account to provide capital access, technical assistance, workforce training, and community investments in affected areas. The council’s composition requires diverse representation across racial, gender, and geographic lines, with specific appointment requirements for members. Its primary role is to develop funding plans that advance equity principles in the state’s cannabis industry.