This week, Legislators considered various bills and work continued in the House on the budget bill.            

House Budget Bill

House members continue to work on the biennial budget bill (S 105), which was recently passed by the Senate. House leaders have indicated that their version could surface in early August. Although a new budget bill was not enacted by the end of the state’s fiscal year on June 30, state government operations are continuing pursuant to state law with spending at the FY 21 recurring funding levels.

Medical Marijuana

The Senate Finance Committee this week approved a bill (S 711) that would authorize the use of marijuana for certain medical conditions. Two Senate committees have now passed the bill. Among other things, it would allow this use for people with a “debilitating medical condition” such as cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), ALS, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, and for which a physician provides a written certification. The Department of Health and Human Services would approve use by patients and a newly created Medical Cannabis Production Commission would license suppliers upon recommendation of the Department. The bill will next be considered by the Senate Health Care Committee.