The House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade convened on April 21, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the protection of individuals working in the cannabis industry. The meeting focused on the vulnerabilities these workers face due to public records requests that could potentially expose their personal information.

The discussion began with concerns raised about the misuse of information obtained through public records requests. Committee members expressed alarm over a recent increase in burglaries and robberies targeting individuals in the cannabis sector. The aim was to ensure that personal details, such as home addresses and phone numbers, are not accessible to those who might use them for coercive or harmful purposes.

A key point of the conversation highlighted the distinction between different types of licensees within the industry. It was clarified that in the context of cannabis licensing, a "permit holder" refers to employees working in cannabis stores, while a "licensee" typically denotes the owner of a bar or restaurant. The proposed legislative measures aim to provide additional protections specifically for these permit holders, acknowledging their heightened vulnerability compared to business owners.

The committee emphasized that while the proposed exemption from public records requests would protect employees, law enforcement would still have access to necessary information for legitimate purposes. This balance aims to safeguard workers while ensuring that law enforcement can perform its duties effectively.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the need for legislative action to enhance the safety and security of individuals working in the cannabis industry, reflecting a growing recognition of their unique challenges. The committee plans to continue discussions on this topic, with the intention of drafting a bill that addresses these concerns comprehensively.