CA AB97

Authorizes licensing authorities to issue citations with administrative fines up to $5,000 per violation for licensees and $30,000 per violation for unlicensed persons engaging in cannabis activity, with fines deposited into the Cannabis Fines and Penalties Account.

Extends the provisional cannabis license program from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2022, removes the requirement to hold a prior temporary license, and allows renewals with the authority to revoke for failure to pursue annual licensure requirements.

Establishes the Cannabis Control Appeals Panel in the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency and authorizes it to hold closed sessions for deliberative conferences.

Expands local equity program grants to include funding for developing equity assessments and providing technical assistance, removes the mandatory funding proration requirement, and allows the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development to administer the program.

Transfers responsibility for cannabis organic certification from the Department of Food and Agriculture to the State Department of Public Health by July 1, 2021, and extends the California Environmental Quality Act exemption for local cannabis ordinances to July 1, 2021.