The New York Assembly has advanced legislation that would expand the role marijuana microbusinesses can play in the state’s cannabis showcase events, with the bill now needing a third-reading vote before it can be sent to the Senate.

Assembly Bill 11217, filed by Assemblymember Donna Lupardo (D), was ordered to third reading today after previously clearing the Assembly Economic Development Committee and the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. The measure was approved by Ways and Means today in a 20 to 10 vote, following a 16 to 8 vote in Economic Development on May 19.

The bill is cosponsored by Assemblymembers Crystal Peoples-Stokes (D), Albert Stirpe (D), John Zaccaro (D) and Landon Dais (D).

Under current law, businesses authorized to conduct adult-use marijuana retail sales may apply to hold cannabis showcase events in partnership with licensed cultivators and processors. These events have been used in New York to help connect licensed operators with consumers while the state continues building out its adult-use market.

The proposed legislation would allow a microbusiness licensed to conduct retail sales to also serve as the required processor and cultivator for a showcase event, as long as the microbusiness is authorized to conduct those activities.

The bill would also allow a qualifying microbusiness to serve as the licensed processor or cultivator for another licensee applying to hold a showcase event, provided the microbusiness is authorized to conduct the applicable activity.

If approved on third reading by the Assembly, the bill would be sent to the Senate for consideration. A Senate companion, S 10113, was filed April 30 and referred to the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee.

The proposal would take effect immediately if signed into law.