Hawaii Senate Bill SCR170

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Conduct A Study On The Projected Revenue That Would Be Generated For The State From The Legalization Of Recreational Marijuana If It Were Taxed At A Rate Equal To The Existing General Excise Tax Rate.

Impact

The resolution aims to evaluate the economic benefits that legalization could bring to Hawaii, aligning with a nationwide shift towards the acceptance of marijuana for both medical and recreational use. By looking at states like Colorado, which has seen significant revenue boosts from legal marijuana sales, SCR170 seeks to provide lawmakers with concrete data to inform future legislation regarding marijuana.

Summary

SCR170 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii that requests a study on the projected revenue that could be generated from legalizing recreational marijuana. The focus of the resolution is on assessing the potential fiscal impacts if recreational marijuana were taxed at the same rate as the current general excise tax. This exploration follows the growing trends in other states, where marijuana legalization has resulted in substantial increases in tax revenues.

Contention

While the resolution itself does not propose immediate legalization, it introduces key discussions around the implications of legal recreational marijuana. Supporters advocate for the financial incentives it brings, whereas opponents may raise concerns about the social and health implications surrounding increased accessibility to marijuana. The outcome of the proposed study may serve to prop up or undermine the arguments on both sides as Hawaii navigates its legislative landscape.