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Bill

H 633

An act relating to requiring municipalities to hold a vote concerning the operation of cannabis retail establishments

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Teddy Waszazak

The bill would require municipalities to hold a vote on whether cannabis retail establishments may operate within their borders.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
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Bill Summary · H 633

Overview

H.633 is a Vermont bill proposed for the 2025-2026 session that would require municipalities to hold a vote concerning the operation of cannabis retail establishments within their borders. The measure appears to focus on giving local voters a direct say in whether cannabis retail shops can operate in a given municipality.

Purpose and intent

  • To ensure local residents have the opportunity to authorize or prohibit cannabis retail establishments through a formal municipal vote.
  • To shift or clarify decision-making on cannabis retail operations from state or local administrative processes to a direct electoral process at the municipal level.

Key provisions (as indicated by the bill title and related introductory materials)

  • Mandate that municipalities conduct a vote on whether cannabis retail establishments may operate within the municipality.
  • Establish the procedural framework for such votes (timing, method, and any required thresholds) as determined by the bill and relevant Vermont election or municipal law.
  • Likely definitions of what constitutes a “cannabis retail establishment” for purposes of the vote (e.g., storefront retailers authorized to sell cannabis to adults).
  • Potential provisions on how outcomes are implemented (e.g., restrictions on existing licenses, moratoria, or authorization timelines following a favorable vote).

Note: The available materials do not provide the full text, so precise statutory mechanics (e.g., whether votes are binding or advisory, what percentage constitutes a majority, transition provisions for already licensed operators, or allowances for revisions) are not specified here.

Who is affected

  • Municipalities: Required to hold a vote on cannabis retail operation.
  • Inhabitants of municipalities: Eligible voters who would participate in the local vote.
  • Cannabis retailers and prospective licensees: Subject to local authorization; operations would depend on the outcome of municipal votes.
  • State and local government administrators: Responsible for implementing and coordinating the voting process in line with the bill.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • First reading and referral occurred on January 9, 2026.
  • The bill was scheduled for consideration by the House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs, with a noted full committee meeting on January 16, 2026.
  • As a proposal requiring municipal votes, timelines would be driven by election scheduling, local canvassing timelines, and any state-imposed implementation deadlines if the bill advances.

Potential implications

  • Increased local autonomy over cannabis policy in terms of retail operations.
  • Possible changes in the pace and geography of cannabis retail access within Vermont, depending on how many municipalities opt in via vote.
  • Impacts on license holders, applicants, and local revenue projections tied to cannabis sales.

Notes

  • This summary reflects information available in the bill overview and accompanying notes. The full text would provide detailed voting thresholds, transition rules, and implementation procedures that could significantly affect practical outcomes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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