Substitute for HB 2168 by Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources - Amending the commercial industrial hemp act to reduce maximum license and registration fee amounts to $500.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would significantly change the landscape for industrial hemp in Kansas by enabling more streamlined practices related to its processing and use. Notably, the legislation permits the manufacturing, transportation, importation, sale, or storage of commercial feeding stuffs that include hemp materials, thereby formally integrating these products into the agricultural landscape. Additionally, the relaxed registration requirements could promote further growth within the hemp processing sector, thereby enhancing economic activity within the state.
Summary
House Bill 2168 aims to amend the existing regulatory framework surrounding industrial hemp in Kansas, specifically focusing on allowing the use of hemp fibers, grains, and seeds as food for livestock, poultry, and pets. The bill proposes a number of changes to the commercial industrial hemp act, which includes lowering the maximum licensing and registration fees for processors and extending the licensing periods from annual to biennial. This is intended to simplify the licensing process and make participation in the industrial hemp industry more accessible to producers.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, some points of contention exist. The bill mandates criminal background checks for those applying to register as hemp processors, which has raised questions about the implications for individuals with a criminal history. This requirement could limit the participation of some individuals and ultimately affect the diversity and inclusiveness of the hemp industry. Moreover, concerns have been expressed regarding the potential for misbranding or adulteration of hemp products, which may necessitate further regulatory oversight in practice.
Making certain provisions of the commercial industrial hemp act applicable only if the Kansas department of agriculture has submitted a state plan to the federal government for the state monitoring and regulation of industrial hemp within Kansas and such state plan is still active.
Substitute for HB 2542 by Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources - Amending the Kansas pet animal act to require the Kansas department of agriculture to maintain records of inspections for not less than five years and removing the requirement that the commissioner only apply federal rules and regulations to United States department of agriculture licensed animal distributors and animal breeders.
Agriculture: industrial hemp; cross-references to industrial hemp research and development act within the industrial hemp growers act; amend. Amends secs. 103, 211, 303 & 307 of 2020 PA 220 (MCL 333.29103 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6288'24
Requiring criminal history record check information relating to hemp producers to be sent to the state fire marshal, updating the fingerprinting language for the state banking commissioner for money transmitters and earned wage access services providers and authorizing the state gaming agency and attorney general to have access to more criminal history record information.
Agriculture: industrial hemp; licensing and regulations for processing, brokering, and marketing industrial hemp, supplying industrial hemp seed, and engaging in wholesale of industrial hemp products; create. Creates new act & repeals 2014 PA 547 (MCL 286.841 - 286.859). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6289'24, HB 6291'24
To provide for the regulation of industrial hemp, industrial hemp products, and industrial hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Making certain provisions of the commercial industrial hemp act applicable only if the Kansas department of agriculture has submitted a state plan to the federal government for the state monitoring and regulation of industrial hemp within Kansas and such state plan is still active.