Amendment ID: S2090-69-R2

2nd Redraft Amendment 69

Increasing Diversity in the Cannabis Industry

Ms. Forry and Ms. Chang-Diaz move to amend the bill by adding the following section:-

“SECTION 39. (a) For the purposes of this section “minority business enterprise”, “women business enterprise” and “veteran business enterprise” shall have the same meanings as ascribed to them in section 58 of chapter 7 of the General Laws.

(b)The cannabis control commission shall conduct a study on participation in the regulated marijuana industry, including participation by minority business enterprises, women business enterprises and veteran business enterprises. The study shall include, but shall not be limited to:(i) a review of the participation in activities related to the regulation, licensing and promotion of marijuana establishments; (ii) a compilation of data on the individuals and entities that apply for and are issued licenses under chapter 94G of the General Laws, including the individual’s or members of an entity’s race, gender, country of origin and state geographic region; and (iii) any evidence of discrimination or barriers to entry in the regulated marijuana industry.

(c) If, upon completion of the study, the commission determines that there is evidence of discrimination or barriers to entry in the regulated marijuana industry, the commission shall implement policies that address the discrimination or barriers faced by the disadvantaged group. Such policies shall include:

(i) measures that ensure equal opportunity in licensing and permitting processes and equal access to employment opportunities;

(ii) promoting participation in the industry by disadvantaged groups through employment opportunities;

(iii) a provision in the application process for licensees to establish policies to encourage the participation by a disadvantaged group in contracting and professional services;

(iv) providing start-up capital or business loans for disadvantaged groups;

(v) outreach to disadvantaged groups, including consultation with state agencies and providing education and training opportunities;

(vi) the adoption of diversity licensing goals that provide meaningful participation by disadvantaged groups and training programs, including workforce training and employer training to attract applicants from a disadvantaged group; and

(vii) providing sufficient and continuous notice on the commission’s website of the opportunities for disadvantaged groups under this section.

(d) If legislation is necessary to address discrimination or barriers to entry in the regulated marijuana industry, as identified in the study, the commission shall file its findings and recommendations, including draft legislation, with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the chairs of the joint committee on marijuana policy and the senate and house committees on ways and means.”