Agenda Item Wording:
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Presentation for possible tax measure - Receive initial presentation from HdL Companies on a possible local cannabis tax measure on the November 2024 ballot.
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Deadline for Action: 5/20/2024
Submitting Department: Community Development
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Devon Jones, Economic Development Manager, devon.jones@visalia.city, (559) 713-4190,
Department Recommendation:
Receive initial presentation from HdL Companies, provide staff and consultant any direction on the local cannabis tax measure to be included on the November 2024 ballot, and authorize staff to bring forward an ordinance to include a local cannabis tax measure for voter consideration on the Tulare County November 2024 General Election ballot.
Summary:
HdL Companies was hired to assist with the development of a local cannabis tax measure, including drafting of the ordinance, preparation of the ballot resolution, revenue estimates, and assistance with the ballot statement. HdL is conducting their initial presentation to Council this evening to gather input to inform this process so staff can bring back an ordinance for City Council consideration.
Background Discussion:
Senate Bill (SB) 1186, the "Medicinal Cannabis Patients' Right of Access Act" was signed into law in late 2022. This state law, which became effective on January 1, 2024, prohibits local agencies from enforcing any local regulations that prohibit the retail sale by delivery of medicinal cannabis. After this date, "delivery only" (i.e., delivery of medicinal cannabis) businesses will be permitted, subject to reasonable zoning regulations for public health and safety, within the City of Visalia. This means that warehouse-based businesses could legally operate in the City of Visalia as long as they sold medicinal cannabis via delivery only (i.e., no retail store front).
On July 17, 2023, Council authorized staff to initiate a zoning ordinance update to implement reasonable zoning regula...
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