Alcohol, medical cannabis regulations approved

A measure that updates state liquor laws and provides structure for implementation of medical cannabis regulations was given final approval April 1.

LB1235, sponsored by the General Affairs Committee, reorganizes the structure and administration of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, including authorizing an annual $12,500 salary for commission members.

Under the measure, the commission is authorized to establish a maximum fee of $50,000 for license applications, registrations and renewals and require a finger-print based national criminal history background check for initial applicants.

The bill also creates the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission Cash Fund to receive fees, gifts, grants and other revenue to support administration and enforcement, including salaries, materials, equipment, education and training.

The measure also includes the amended provisions of LB1085, sponsored by Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney, which clarifies the definition of a bottle club and requires the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to consider if an applicant is delinquent in any federal, state or local taxes when determining licensure.

Existing criminal penalties also are expanded to apply to the unlicensed retail sale of alcoholic liquor, bringing those penalties in line with those for unlicensed manufacture of spirits.

Finally, provisions of Norfolk Sen. Robert Dover’s LB1128 create a consumption-only option under state entertainment district licensure, allowing local governing bodies to designate areas within an entertainment district where alcohol can be consumed, but not sold, for a $25 license fee.

LB1235 passed on a vote of 46-2 and takes effect immediately.