The Oregon State Legislature's House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss several significant legislative proposals impacting the state's cannabis and alcohol industries. The meeting highlighted two key bills: Senate Bill 870 and Senate Bill 571, both of which aim to enhance regulatory frameworks and representation within the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC).

Senate Bill 870 proposes to exempt the residential addresses and personal phone numbers of marijuana worker permit holders from public disclosure. This measure, which carries no fiscal or revenue impact, aims to protect the privacy of individuals working in the cannabis sector. The bill received unanimous support from committee members, passing with a recommendation to move forward to the floor for further consideration.

Following this, the committee reviewed Senate Bill 571, which mandates that certain alcohol sales licensees maintain invoices for all alcoholic beverage deliveries. An amendment to the bill was adopted, removing the requirement for invoices to include purchase details and discounts. Similar to SB 870, this bill also has no fiscal impact and a minimal revenue impact. The committee voted in favor of SB 571, sending it to the floor with a due pass recommendation.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing Senate Bill 557, which requires that at least one commissioner of the OLCC hold a license to produce, process, or sell marijuana items. Proponents of the bill, including industry representatives, argued that having a commissioner with direct experience in the cannabis industry would lead to more informed decision-making and better regulatory practices. They emphasized the importance of representation, noting that the OLCC currently has a requirement for one commissioner to have experience in the alcohol industry, but lacks similar provisions for cannabis.

Speakers at the meeting, including Amanda Metzler, Mike Gatlin, and Jesse Bonicki, highlighted the need for knowledgeable oversight in the rapidly evolving cannabis sector. They argued that the complexities of cannabis regulation necessitate the insights of someone who has firsthand experience in the industry. The bill aims to align cannabis governance with existing alcohol regulations, ensuring that the OLCC can effectively balance industry needs with public health and safety.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to refine Oregon's regulatory landscape for both cannabis and alcohol, reflecting the state's commitment to supporting its burgeoning industries while safeguarding public interests. As these bills progress, they may significantly influence the operational dynamics of the OLCC and the broader cannabis and alcohol markets in Oregon.