Louisiana lawmakers ask regulators to study Gulf wind energy pilot program  

Louisiana’s House of Representatives has officially invited state regulators to study cheap ways to construct an offshore wind energy pilot project in the Gulf of Mexico in under four years. House Resolution 25 “urges and requests” Louisiana’s Public Service Commission to find the best way to build a demonstrable offshore wind pilot project by 2026. Wind power potential in Louisiana is enormous – according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gulf winds can provide twice the energy currently used across all five Gulf states. Read more at New Orleans City Business. 

Connecticut making it harder to advertise marijuana 

Connecticut’s House of Representatives passed a law that will make it harder for businesses without marijuana-related licensure to advertise anything marijuana-related in the state. In addition to the state’s rules for cannabis advertising that were made when marijuana was legalized, the same legislation would prevent marijuana businesses in the state from: advertising within 1,500 yards of a church or school; using images of the cannabis plant in ads; and advertising on a lighted billboard between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. 

The bill, which awaits passage in the Senate, would also allow assistants of physicians to recommend medical cannabis to patients in a state where businesses are rushing to apply for recreational marijuana licenses before a forthcoming deadline. Read more here. 

P.E.I. hairdressers ask for more regulation of beauty providers

Stylists in Prince Edward Island are asking the provincial government to make licensing a requirement for all beauty providers. As it stands, only hairdressers need a license by law, which also requires them to follow health and safety regulations. The Prince Edward Island Hairdressers’ Association (PEIHDA) has launched an online petition to demand licensure for barbers, nail technicians, eyelash technicians, and estheticians – professions with services involving sensitive areas, strong chemicals and potentially dangerous hot wax. Read about it at CBC News.  

Ontario online gaming regulator fines two gambling companies 

Two gambling businesses have been fined by Ontario’s gambling and gaming regulator less than a month after the province launched iGaming, an Internet gambling market. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has handed two companies fine notices over advertising and alleged incentive violations, according to a press release. The recently adopted Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming include “clear restrictions on the advertising of inducements, bonuses or credits,” according to the release, which notes that the standards were put in place to protect the citizens of Ontario, a province where the sports betting market is expected to ramp up. Read more about it at Global News. 

Pennsylvania phases out professional license waivers 

Pennsylvania’s Department of State said it will start a phased expiration of professional licensing waivers issued under the COVID-19 disaster declaration. The process begins on May 23 and all waivers will expire by June 30. Though the state drew the disaster declaration to a close a year ago, some license waivers were extended. Read the press release and a complete list of waivers at the Pennsylvania Pressroom.

More news: 

• The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expanding its crypto-enforcement unit by adding 20 positions, sending a strong signal that it will take enforcement in an increasingly regulated space very seriously. 
• Australia’s Treasury outlined the Government’s proposed approach to regulating crypto assets in a new paper, which raises a number of key questions. 
• Connecticut’s Senate passed a bill that helps people with criminal records obtain professional licenses.

Also noteworthy: 

• How Ireland lost its chance to become Big Tech’s ‘super regulator’ (CNBC) 
• A medical cannabis market emerges: Mississippi prepares for business license applications this summer (Cannabis Business Times) 
• Who does — and doesn’t — suffer from lack of competition for workers (UCLA Anderson Review) 
• South Dakota voters likely to approve cannabis legalization — again (Filter) 
• Virginia policymakers ponder future of cannabis regulation (The Roanoke Times)