DOVER, Del. — Delaware lawmakers have introduced House Bill 110 to resolve a licensing setback in the state’s recreational marijuana market after the FBI denied its request for fingerprint-based background checks.
Sponsored by Rep. Ed Osienski and Sen. Trey Paradee, the bill updates state law to fit with FBI regulations. If passed this change will enable Delaware to get a service code for background checks required for marijuana business licenses.
Some lawmakers were disappointed by the initial setback but Rep. Osienski is hopeful that this new legislation will get the budding industry back on track. “I’m optimistic this bill will fix the issue,” Osienski said.
“I share the frustration of many Delawareans as recreational marijuana dispensaries remain inoperative nearly two years after legalization,” said Sen. Paradee.
As reported earlier by CoastTV the FBI rejected Delaware’s request due to what the bureau says was missing statutory language specifying who must undergo background checks. HB 110 clears up the issue by requiring fingerprint-based checks for license applicants, board members and employees of marijuana businesses.
If enacted, the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner will reapply for a service code, paving the way for the necessary background checks.
Acting Marijuana Commissioner Paul Hyland praised lawmakers for moving quickly to solve this problem. “I want to thank Representative Osienski and Senator Paradee for swiftly bringing this critically important legislation together. The OMC remains committed to implementing a well-regulated, compliant, and equitable adult-use marijuana market in Delaware."
HB 110 is now under review by the House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee.