U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA) has added his name to the list of sponsors for the STATES 2.0 Act, becoming the eighth bipartisan member of the U.S. House to back the proposal.

The STATES 2.0 Act would strip away federal prohibition in jurisdictions that have chosen to legalize marijuana, medically or recreationally, leaving regulation to states and tribal governments. It spells out protections for people and businesses that follow local marijuana laws, so they would no longer face federal penalties for activities that are legal where they live and operate.

The measure was first introduced in April with three sponsors, Reps. David Joyce (R-OH), Dina Titus (D-NV), and Max Miller (R-OH). The proposal has since gained five additional sponsors, with Reps. Jay Obernolte and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) as the latest additions.

Beyond affirming state authority, the legislation lays the groundwork for interstate trade between legal markets, changes tax rules so marijuana companies are treated like other lawful businesses, and sets up a system for federal taxation and regulation. The bill also requires the attorney general to finalize a rule within six months of passage to formally exempt compliant state and tribal programs from federal control.

The full text of the STATES 2.0 Act can be found here.