Researcher: RP Page 1 3/31/21
OLR Bill Analysis
SB 861
AN ACT WAIVING CERTAIN MEDICAL MARIJUANA FEES FOR
VETERANS.
SUMMARY
This bill requires the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) to
waive the combined $100 application and renewal fee for medical
marijuana for qualifying veterans. Under the bill, a veteran qualifies
for the fee waiver if he or she was honorably discharged or released
under honorable conditions from active service in the U.S. Armed
Forces (U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force,
and any reserve component of these branches, including the
Connecticut National Guard performing duty under Title 32 of the U.S.
Code (e.g., certain Homeland Security missions)).
The existing $100 fee for applications and renewals is credited to the
General Fund and composed of a $25 registration fee and $75
administrative fee (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 21a-408-29). By law,
medical marijuana registrations are valid for up to one year.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
BACKGROUND
Related Bill
HB 5592, favorably reported by the Veterans’ Affairs Committee,
expands the general definition of “veteran” under state law to include
those released with an other than honorable discharge based on
specified qualifying conditions (e.g., military sexual trauma
experience, a qualifying mental health condition, sexual orientation, or
gender identity or expression), as determined under the bill. In doing
so, it expands eligibility for any statutory programs or benefits that
reference this definition. 2021SB-00861-R000233-BA.DOCX
Researcher: RP Page 2 3/31/21
COMMITTEE ACTION
Veterans’ Affairs Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 17 Nay 0 (03/18/2021)