Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1778

Caption

Relating to the production and regulation of hemp and consumable hemp products; providing administrative penalties; imposing and authorizing fees; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

Under SB1778, the Texas Department of Agriculture is assigned the responsibility of updating regulations to align with any changes in federal law regarding hemp. The bill imposes specific limits on delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations, ensuring only those products that meet the legal standard can be processed or sold. Additionally, the law includes provisions for administrative penalties and establishes a framework for criminal offenses related to cultivating hemp without a license. This potential for criminal prosecution underscores the need for compliance within the industry, which may foster a more responsible approach to hemp production.

Summary

Senate Bill 1778 focuses on the production and regulation of hemp and consumable hemp products in Texas. This bill seeks to amend existing laws to create a more structured and clear regulatory framework surrounding the growing, processing, and selling of hemp products. Among the significant changes introduced, it allows institutions of higher education to conduct research on hemp without the obligation of certain fees or permits, thereby promoting academic engagement with this emerging agricultural sector.

Contention

Despite the intended regulatory clarity, certain points of contention may arise from this bill. Critics may argue that the increased regulatory burden on businesses and potential fines for non-compliance could inhibit growth within the hemp industry in Texas. Proponents, on the other hand, might assert that such regulatory measures are essential for public health and safety, as well as for establishing a credible market for hemp products. As the bill emphasizes registration and compliance, its interpretation and implementation could affect how easily businesses can navigate the new landscape of hemp regulation.

Companion Bills

TX HB3948

Same As Relating to the production and regulation of hemp and consumable hemp products; providing administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

Previously Filed As

TX SB321

Relating to the production and regulation of hemp; providing administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2818

Relating to the production and regulation of hemp; providing an administrative penalty; requiring a permit to conduct certain research involving hemp; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4439

Relating to the production, sale, distribution, delivery, and regulation of consumable hemp products; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4238

Relating to the production, sale, distribution, delivery, and regulation of consumable hemp products.

TX SB264

Relating to the production, sale, distribution, delivery, and regulation of consumable hemp products.

TX HB1937

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, use, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products and local regulation of cannabis establishments; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

TX HB3652

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, testing, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of taxes and fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1831

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, use, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products and the local regulation of cannabis establishments; providing for expunction of records relating to certain decriminalized conduct; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

TX SB209

Relating to regulating the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

Similar Bills

TX SB2952

Relating to the regulation of hemp and nonconsumable hemp products; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a civil penalty and providing other penalties; requiring an occupational license; imposing and authorizing certain fees.

TX HB3948

Relating to the production and regulation of hemp and consumable hemp products; providing administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1240

Relating to the production and regulation of hemp; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB1325

Relating to the production and regulation of hemp; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing fees; creating criminal offenses; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX HB2818

Relating to the production and regulation of hemp; providing an administrative penalty; requiring a permit to conduct certain research involving hemp; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB321

Relating to the production and regulation of hemp; providing administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

SD SB201

Revise provisions regarding industrial hemp and to declare an emergency.

TX HB1113

Relating to the production and regulation of hemp; providing an administrative penalty; requiring a permit to conduct certain research involving hemp; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.