PREPARE Act of 2023 Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-prohibition Adult-use Regulated Environment Act of 2023
Impact
The commission will address critical issues such as the absence of standardized regulations for cannabis products, limitations on cannabis research, and obstacles preventing cannabis entrepreneurs from accessing essential financial resources. One notable aspect of this bill is the emphasis on gathering feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry representatives, healthcare experts, and advocacy groups. This participatory approach is intended to shape advice on how to best regulate cannabis while considering varying community impacts.
Summary
SB2650, known as the Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-prohibition Adult-use Regulated Environment Act of 2023, establishes a commission tasked with creating a regulatory framework for cannabis following federal prohibition. The intention behind the bill is to explore avenues for the federal regulation of cannabis by reviewing existing policies at both the state and federal levels. The bill acknowledges historical issues surrounding cannabis criminalization, particularly its impact on minority communities and the lack of access to financial services for cannabis-related businesses.
Contention
Key points of contention may arise from the differing views on cannabis regulation. Supporters argue that this framework is necessary to dismantle outdated prohibitions and promote safe, regulated access to cannabis products. Critics might express concerns about compromising state laws established around cannabis and the potential oversights in regulating a newly legalized market. The commission's findings and recommendations could either affirm existing state frameworks or suggest significant changes, leading to varying degrees of acceptance among different political and community stakeholders.
Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.