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HD 320

An Act relative to fines for violations of cannabis advertising regulations

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marcus Vaughn

CCC must study how fines for cannabis advertising violations are structured and how those funds could be reinvested in affected communities, with a report due by Jan 1, 2027.

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Bill Summary · HD 320

Summary: House Bill HD 320 — An Act relative to fines for violations of cannabis advertising regulations

Overview

HD 320 proposes to require the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) to study how fines for violations of cannabis advertising regulations are structured and how funds from those fines are used. The bill emphasizes evaluating current penalties and exploring mechanisms to reinvest fines in communities affected by prohibited cannabis advertising practices, including support for programs in schools, community safety, and youth engagement.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Study mandate

    • The CCC shall commission a study on:
    • (i) The structure of fines for violations of cannabis advertising regulations, including current penalties and potential improvements to deter unwanted cannabis advertising.
    • (ii) The use and investment of monies collected from such fines into communities affected by prohibited cannabis advertising practices, with examples such as DARE programs, extracurricular programs, and police–community engagement efforts.

  • Section 2: Reporting requirement

    • The CCC must file a report with recommendations on:
    • (i) The structure of fines for violating cannabis advertising regulations.
    • (ii) How fines collected should be invested in affected communities.
    • The report must be submitted to the clerks of the Massachusetts House and Senate and the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy no later than January 1, 2027.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary: Cannabis Control Commission, which would lead the study and prepare recommendations.
  • Communities affected by prohibited cannabis advertising practices, including youth-focused and police–community engagement initiatives, and programs such as DARE and related extracurricular activities.
  • General public in the sense that future policy changes could influence advertising enforcement and funding allocations.

Timelines and Procedural Notes

  • Filing date (as per the bill text): January 8, 2025 (House No. 190).
  • Study completion and recommendations: By January 1, 2027.
  • Status: The bill is a proposed measure in the 2025-2026 General Court; it previously had related matter filed in a prior session (HB 3558 in 2023-2024).

Potential Impact

  • Near term: No changes to fines occur immediately; the bill directs the CCC to study and recommend future fine structures and allocation of collected funds.
  • Long term: If enacted, could lead to revised penalties for cannabis advertising violations and dedicated funding for community programs and policing initiatives in affected neighborhoods.

Note: The bill text indicates a focus on research and recommendation rather than immediate regulatory changes.

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

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