2015-02-23                     House Journal                      Page 0290
HB 123                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 123 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
    "An Act establishing the Marijuana Control Board; relating to the                                                           
    powers and duties of the Marijuana Control Board; relating to the                                                           
    appointment, removal, and duties of the director of the Marijuana                                                           
    Control Board; relating to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board;                                                            
    and providing for an effective date."                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce,                                                                   
Judiciary, and Finance Committees.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1. Fiscal, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 20, 2015, follows:                                                             
                                                                                                                                

2015-02-23                     House Journal                      Page 0291
"Dear Speaker Chenault:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill establishing the Marijuana                                                               
Control Board and relating to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The bill would protect public safety and promote effective regulation                                                           
of the marijuana industry consistent with the people's intent as                                                                
expressed in AS 17.38 by creating the Marijuana Control Board that                                                              
includes representatives from the public health and safety sectors, the                                                         
marijuana industry, and the general public. The board's members                                                                 
would be appointed by the Governor to serve staggered terms of three                                                            
years; the board would have authority to regulate marijuana                                                                     
cultivation, transportation, production, and sale, as set out in                                                                
AS 17.38.090. Importantly, the bill would give the Marijuana Control                                                            
Board the power to enforce its regulations, including the ability to use                                                        
peace officer powers to enforce the criminally punishable laws and                                                              
regulations relating to marijuana. And, by providing for a shared                                                               
administrative and enforcement staff with the Alcoholic Beverage                                                                
Control Board, the bill would enable the Marijuana Control Board to                                                             
benefit from the considerable experience and expertise of the                                                                   
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board while realizing significant                                                                    
economies.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Bill Walker                                                                                                                     
Governor"