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S 90

Relates to speed limits on state highways

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Tedisco

Creates an internal Special Audit Unit within the Cannabis Control Commission, independent of CCC control, to audit, investigate, and report on CCC operations and use of funds.

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Bill Summary · S 90

Summary: S.90 – An Act establishing an internal special audit unit within the Cannabis Control Commission

Overview

S.90 proposes to establish an internal Special Audit Unit (SAU) within the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). The SAU would operate independently of CCC control, under the supervision of the state Inspector General (IG). The bill amends Chapter 94G to formally create the unit, outline its structure, authorities, duties, and reporting requirements, and requires interagency cooperation with the Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) and the Department of Public Health (DPH).

Purpose and intent

  • Strengthen internal oversight of CCC operations, including compliance with chapters 94G and 94I, host community agreements, investigation and audit policies, and related enforcement activities.
  • Prevent, detect, and correct fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds and improve efficiency, integrity, and governance within CCC operations.
  • Provide trainings on regulatory investigations and audits for CCC staff, and coordinate across agencies on pesticide control and related matters.

Key provisions

Creation and leadership (Section 22)

  • There shall be an internal SAU within the CCC, not under CCC control, appointed by the Inspector General (IG). The director serves as an assistant IG for a four-year term and can be removed for cause; an interim director may be designated if needed. The director must devote full time to SAU duties.
  • The director may hire necessary personnel and consultants, subject to IG approval. Staff would be exempt from certain general state employment restrictions and would follow IG rules for employment.

Powers and duties

  • The SAU can access all CCC records, reports, data, devices, investigations, and related materials to conduct audits and reviews.
  • The SAU has powers aligned with the IG under Chapter 12A, and can investigate and audit CCC operations, including CCC’s regulatory actions, organizational structure, and use of funds.
  • The SAU is responsible for developing trainings for CCC staff on regulatory investigations and audits.

Reporting and accountability

  • The SAU director must report fraud, waste, or abuse to the IG; results may be referred to the Attorney General or State Auditor.
  • Annual reporting: the SAU submits a report of activities to the IG for inclusion in the IG’s annual report; the IG then shares with the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy by April 30th each year. CCC must publish these annual reports on its website.

Interagency coordination (Section 23)

  • The CCC, DAR, and DPH must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to govern joint investigations, inspections, and enforcement actions, including coordination on pesticide regulation for hemp, marijuana, and related products.
  • The MOU must be reviewed and updated at least every two years.

Affected parties

  • Primary: Cannabis Control Commission and its staff.
  • Oversight entities: Inspector General, Attorney General, State Auditor.
  • Partner agencies: Department of Agricultural Resources and Department of Public Health.
  • Public funds and stakeholders in cannabis regulation and enforcement.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025; referred to Cannabis Policy and later to Senate Energy and Natural Resources, with hearings and amendments ongoing.
  • Status: Reported favorably by committee and referred to Senate Ways and Means (as of June 5, 2025).
  • Related/companion: HR 376; SD 2076 – reflects similar proposals in related sessions.

Potential impact

  • Enhanced internal oversight and accountability within CCC.
  • Stronger ability to detect and address fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds.
  • Increased cross-agency collaboration on cannabis regulation and related pesticide controls.
  • Administrative and potential fiscal implications for IG and involved agencies, though specific funding details are not stated in the bill text.

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

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