Last week, SB 1262 (Correa), co-sponsored by the League of California Cities and the California Police Chiefs Association to establish a statewide medical marijuana regulatory framework, failed passage in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. While the bill would be paid for through a variety of medical marijuana licensing and business fees, there would be some up front costs to the state to establish a new state department and hiring staff. RCRC had a number of lingering concerns with the measure; however, amendments were being prepared to help address some of our concerns. We anticipate the issue of developing a statewide medical marijuana regulatory framework will continue to be an issue during the final days of the 2014 Legislative Session, and RCRC advocacy team will remain vigorous in conveying the concerns of rural counties if discussions materialize.
