§ 12. Chief equity officer. The board, by an affirmative vote of at least four members, shall appoint a chief equity officer. The chief equity officer shall receive an annual salary not to exceed an amount appropriated therefor by the legislature and their expenses actually and necessarily incurred in the performance of official duties, unless otherwise provided by the legislature.
1. The chief equity officer shall assist with the development and implementation of, and ensure the cannabis control board and the office of cannabis management's continued compliance with, the social and economic equity plan, required to be developed pursuant to article four of this chapter.
2. The chief equity officer shall establish public education programming dedicated to providing communities that have been impacted by cannabis prohibition with information detailing the licensing process and informing individuals of the support and resources that the office can provide to individuals and entities interested in participating in activity licensed under this chapter.
3. The chief equity officer shall provide a report to the board, no later than January first, two thousand twenty-three, and annually thereafter, of their activities in ensuring compliance with the social and economic equity plan, required to be developed pursuant to article four of this chapter, and the board shall provide such report to the legislature.
