Cannabis: appointees: prohibited activities.

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Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Berman
Last action: 2025-09-04
Official status: Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Laird.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details about which positions are covered by this new rule.

Cannabis: Rules for Appointees

AB-686 adds rules that stop people appointed by the Governor to certain jobs at the Department of Cannabis Control from getting money or other benefits from those who want licenses or permits.

What This Bill Does

Adds a rule that stops appointees in the Department of Cannabis Control from receiving any kind of payment or profit from anyone applying for or getting a license or permit.

Who It Names or Affects

People appointed by the Governor to work at the Department of Cannabis Control

Terms To Know

Department of Cannabis Control: The government agency that regulates and controls cannabis businesses in California.
Appointees: People chosen by the Governor to work in specific positions within a department or agency.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not specify which exact positions are covered under this new rule.
The bill did not become law as it was ordered to an inactive file and no further action has been taken since September 4, 2025.

Bill History

2025-09-04 California Legislative Information
Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Laird.
2025-08-20 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2025-08-19 California Legislative Information
From committee: Be ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8.
2025-06-30 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (June 30). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-06-04 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on B. P. & E.D.
2025-05-28 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2025-05-27 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 76. Noes 0. Page 1740.)
2025-05-22 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.
2025-05-21 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 21).
2025-04-01 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (April 1). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-03-03 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on B. & P.
2025-02-15 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 17.
2025-02-14 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 686, as introduced, Berman.
Cannabis: appointees: prohibited activities.
Existing law, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act of 2016 (AUMA), an initiative measure approved as Proposition 64 at the November 8, 2016, statewide general election, prohibits the director of the Department of Cannabis Control (department) and any member of the Cannabis Control Appeals Panel from engaging in certain activities, including from receiving any commission or profit whatsoever, directly or indirectly, from any person applying for or receiving any license or permit, as described. Existing law, the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), among other things, consolidates the licensure and regulation of commercial medicinal and adult-use cannabis activities.
This bill would also prohibit individuals appointed by the Governor to specified positions in the department from engaging in those
activities.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF