Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1657

Caption

Relating to the production and regulation of hemp.

Impact

The passage of HB 1657 is poised to significantly impact Texas agriculture by allowing those involved in hemp farming to operate under a regulatory environment that is more conducive to growth and compliance. It mandates the Texas Department of Agriculture to adopt rules that will lead to standardized inspections, testing protocols, and disposal procedures for non-compliant hemp products. This measure not only promotes consistency but also aims to assure that Texas becomes an attractive location for hemp farming, aligning with the increasing demand for hemp-derived products across various industries, including health, wellness, and textiles.

Summary

House Bill 1657 seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for the production, processing, and sale of hemp in Texas. It aims to align state regulations with federal law, specifically the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, which provides guidelines for hemp production under the federal provisions. By creating a state production plan, the bill intends for Texas to take primary regulatory authority over hemp cultivation and its derivatives, thereby promoting agricultural opportunities within the state. The bill defines hemp as any part of the Cannabis sativa L. plant with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill has faced debate regarding the nuances of regulation and oversight. Proponents argue that a state plan will enhance economic growth and reduce barriers for farmers looking to enter the hemp market. Conversely, some opposition may arise from concerns about the implications of defining and regulating hemp closely with cannabis legislation. Critics worry that the bill could lead to enforcement challenges, particularly in distinguishing between hemp and marijuana, potentially complicating law enforcement protocols. Nonetheless, the bill reflects a growing trend toward the legalization and regulation of hemp by establishing clear guidelines that support its agricultural viability.

Companion Bills

TX HB1230

Same As Relating to the production and regulation of hemp.

TX HB1230

Same As Relating to the production and regulation of hemp.

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 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 HB4439

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

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 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 HB3620

Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to marihuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and paraphernalia.

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 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.

Similar Bills

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MS HB1055

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CA SB1308

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CA AB778

Institutional purchasers: purchase of California-grown agricultural food products.

CA AB1025

Institutional purchasers: purchase of domestic agricultural food products.

CA AB822

Institutional purchasers: sale of California produce.

HI HB1584

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SB2363

Relating To Agriculture.