Industrial Hemp Looks Like it is coming back to America Once again! Thank you America.

This information provided by Vote Hemp: To date, thirty-one states have introduced pro-hemp legislation and ninenteen have passed pro-hemp legislation. Eight states (Colorado, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia) have defined industrial hemp as distinct and removed barriers to its production. Three states (Hawaii, Kentucky, and Maryland) have passed bills creating commissions or authorizing research. Nine states have passed hemp resolutions: California, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Vermont and Virginia. Eight states have passed hemp study bills: Arkansas, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Vermont. Many other states have done studies without legislative directive. A complete list of state study bill legislation and state studies may be found on our Study Bill page. State legislators and representatives of farm policy organizations, for more information about passing a resolution in support of industrial hemp or a hemp study bill please see our Hemp Resolution and Study Bill pages. 2013 Legislative Session - U.S. State So far in the 2013 legislative season industrial hemp legislation has been introduced in seventeen states: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia. California had a hemp farming bill, SB 566, introduced in the Senate. An act to add Division 24 (commencing with Section 81000) to, and to repeal Section 81003 of, the Food and Agricultural Code, and to amend Section 11018 of, and to add Section 11018.5 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to industrial hemp. Introduced on 2/22/13. Another hemp farming bill, AB 1137, introduced in the Assembly. An act to amend Section 11018 of, and to add Section 11018.5 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to industrial hemp. Introduced on 2/22/13. Colorado had a bill, SB13-241, concerning the creation of a program in the Department of Agriculture to regulate industrial hemp production introduced on 4/1/2013. Hawaii had four hemp bills introduced this session. SB 695 allows private funded industrial hemp research to be conducted under certain conditions, etc. Introduced on 1/18/2013. HB 154 is an industrial hemp remediation pilot program bill and HR 6 and HCR 3 are resolutions directed towards the President and the state's Congressional delegation. Illinois had a hemp farming bill, HB 2668, introduced on 2/21/2013. Creates the Industrial Hemp Act. Provides that any person desiring to grow, process, cultivate, harvest, process, possess, sell, or purchase industrial hemp or industrial hemp related products must be licensed by the Department of Agriculture. Provides that the application for a license shall include the name and address of the applicant and the legal description of the land area to be used to grow or process industrial hemp and that the license shall be valid for a period of one year. Requires an applicant to complete a statewide and nationwide criminal background check. Provides that no person with a prior felony conviction within 10 years of applying for a license shall be eligible for licensure. Preempts home rule. Introduced, first reading, and referred to the House Rules Committee on 2/21/2013. Indiana had a hemp farming and drug policy bill introduced on 1/15/2013. SB 580 authorizes the licensed cultivation and production of industrial hemp in accordance with rules adopted by the department of agriculture. (The bill has many drug policy components as well.) Also, a study bill. SR 31, was introduced on 1/14/2013. Iowa had a hemp farming bill, SF 264, introduced on 2/26/2013. An Act providing for the production and marketing of industrial hemp, and providing for penalties. Introduced and referred to Agriculture committee on 2/26/2013. Kentucky had a pair of hemp farming bills introduced in the House and Senate. SB 50 was introduced on 1/11/2013 and and HB 33 was introduced on 1/8/2013. These bills have the support of Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Hemp Commission, some of the Kentucky Congressional delegation, and group of bipartisan state legislators. Maine had a bill, LD 525, which amends the state's hemp farming law introduced on 2/15/2013. This bill removes the requirements that an applicant for an initial license to grow industrial hemp for commercial purposes must submit a set of the applicant's fingerprints and file with the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry documentation indicating that the seeds planted were a type and variety of hemp approved by the commissioner and also repeals the provision that licensure is contingent upon action by the Federal Government. Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on 2/19/2013. Maryland had a bill, HB 1453, introduced on 02/21/2013. Defines industrial hemp and authorizes the licensed cultivation and production of industrial hemp in accordance with rules adopted by the department of agriculture. (The bill has many drug policy components as well.) First Reading and assigned to the Rules and Executive Nominations commiettee on 02/21/2013. Massachusetts had a hemp farming bill, H.823, introduced on 1/22/2013. An Act regulating the cultivation of Industrial Hemp. Referred to Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture on 1/22/2013. Minnesota had a hemp farming bill, HF 736, introduced on 2/20/2013. Industrial hemp industry development provided for, rulemaking authorized, defense provided for possession and cultivation of industrial hemp, and marijuana definition modified. Referred to the Agriculture Policy Committee on 2/20/2013. Missouri had a hemp farming bill, SB 358, introduced on 2/20/2013. This act exempts industrial hemp, which is defined as cannabis sativa L. containing no greater than one percent THC, from the definition of marijuana and the list of controlled substances. In addition, this act specifies that it is legal for any person who has not been convicted of any drug-related offense to grow and cultivate industrial hemp. Under this act, the burden of proof is on the defendant to prove that a substance is industrial hemp and not a controlled substance. New Hampshire had an industrial hemp definition bill, HB 153, introduced on 1/3/2013. The bill simply states that "Industrial hemp shall not be designated as a controlled substance." Passed the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee by a vote of 17 to 2, Ought to Pass (OTP) on 2/19/2013. New Jersey had an industrial hemp farming bill, A2415, introduced on 2/6/2012. Also, a resolution, AR54, urging the President and Congress to enact the "Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011" and each NJ member of Congress to sponsor the legislation and work for its enactment was introduced 2/6/2012. Both bills are carried over from 2012. Vermont had a bill, S 29, which amends the state's hemp farming law introduced on 1/15/2013. This bill proposes to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets to issue a license to grow industrial hemp pursuant to current Vermont statute. Also, H 490, which amends the state's hemp farming law was introduced on 3/1/2013. Washington had an industrial hemp study bill, SB 5222, introduced on 1/23/2013. Requires Washington State University to study the feasibility and desirability of industrial hemp production in the state. Also, an industrial hemp farming bill, HB 1888, was introduced on 2/14/2013. West Virginia had an industrial hemp farming bill, HB 3011, introduced on 3/20/2013. Removes the provision that requires an applicant to meet federal requirements concerning the production, distribution and sale of industrial hemp prior to being licensed. 113th Congress - U.S. Federal Two industrial hemp bills have been introduced in the 113th Congress so far. H.R. 525, the "Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2013," was introduced in the U.S. House on February 6, 2013 by Rep. Tom Massie. A companion bill, S. 359, was introduced in the U.S. Senate on February 14, 2013 by Senator Ron Wyden. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is an original cosponsor. The bills define industrial hemp, exclude it from the definition of "marihuana" in the Controlled Substances Act, and gives states the exclusive authority to regulate the growing and processing of industrial hemp under state law. Please see our Federal Legislation page for much more information. 2012 Legislative Session - U.S. State Colorado had a bill, HB12-1099, to authorize an industrial hemp remediation pilot program to study phytoremediation introduced on 1/18/2012. Signed by Governor on 6/4/2012. Hawaii had a trio of hemp bills introduced this session. SB 2890 was introduced on 1/25/2012, HB 1820 was introduced on 1/18/2012, and HB 1727 was introduced on 1/18/2012, too. All three bills died in committee. Illinois had a hemp farming bill, HB 5757, introduced on 2/16/2012. Kentucky also had a trio of hemp bills introduced this session. HB 286 was introduced on 1/19/2012; HB 272 was introduced on 1/18/2012; and SB 41 was introduced on 1/3/2012. HB 286 was introduced at the urging of Agriculture Commissioner James Comer and has the backing of numerous legislators and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. The bills had no action taken on them. We expect this lack of legislative action to change next year because of the work of the Kentucky Hemp Commission and Agriculture Commissioner James Comer. New Hampshire had an industrial hemp definition bill, HB 1615, introduced on 1/4/2012. A public hearing will be held on 2/7/2012. Also, a resolution urging the federal government to allow the cultivation of hemp for industrial purposes, HR 20, was introduced 1/4/2012. A public hearing was be held on 1/17/2012. HB 1615 passed the House and was held over for interim study by the Senate. HR 20 was passed by the House the House clerk forwarded copies of this resolution to the president of the United States, the attorney general of the United States, the administrator of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the United States Secretary of Agriculture, and to each member of the New Hampshire congressional delegation. New Jersey had an industrial hemp farming bill, A2415, introduced on 2/6/2012. Also, a resolution, AR54, urging the President and Congress to enact the "Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011" and each NJ member of Congress to sponsor the legislation and work for its enactment was introduced 2/6/2012. New Mexico had an industrial hemp farming bill, HB 62, introduced on 1/13/12. It died in committee. Vermont had an industrial hemp amendment added to a bill, H. 747, which was introduced on 2/1/2012. The bill took three months to pass both houses of the legislature, which allowed the needed time to add the hemp amendment, and was signed by Governor Shumlin on 5/5/2012. Voter initiatives were passed in Colorado, Amendment 64, and Washington, Initiative 502, that define hemp as distinct from marijuana under state law. Vote Hemp endorsed the hemp language in Amendment 64 and is looking forward to working with hemp supporters, state legislators, and farmers to get hemp planted in the very near future. The Colorado legislature is now tasked with creating enabling legislation to regulate hemp farming and is expected to do so in 2013. Vote Hemp plans to help fund a lobbyist to assist in getting legislation passed which represents the best interests of farmers and businesses. 112th Congress - U.S. Federal Two federal hemp bills were introduced in Congress in the 112th Congress. H.R. 1831, the "Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011," was introduced in the U.S. House on May 12, 2011 and S. 3501, the "Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2012," was introduced in the U.S. Senate on 8/2/2012. The bills exclude industrial hemp from the definition of "marihuana" in the Controlled Substances Act and gives states the exclusive authority to regulate the growing and processing of industrial hemp under state law. Neither bill received committee hearings or floor votes in the 112th Congress. Both bills are expected to be reintroduced in the 113th Congress in early to mid 2013. Please see our Federal Legislation page for much more information. All state hemp bills and resolutions introduced since 1995 are listed in the chart below the clickable map of the United States.

STATE INDUSTRIAL HEMP LEGISLATION State click to view Vote Hemp state page Session Year Bill Number click to view bill Current Status California 2013 SB 566 AB 1137 SB 566, an act to add Division 24 (commencing with Section 81000) to, and to repeal Section 81003 of, the Food and Agricultural Code, and to amend Section 11018 of, and to add Section 11018.5 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to industrial hemp. Introduced on 2/22/13. AB 1137, an act to amend Section 11018 of, and to add Section 11018.5 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to industrial hemp. Introduced on 2/22/13. Colorado 2013 SB13-241 Concerning the creation of a program in the Department of Agriculture to regulate industrial hemp production. Introduced in the Senate on 4/1/2013. Hawaii 2013 SB 695 HB 154 HR 6 HCR 3 SB 695 allows private funded industrial hemp research to be conducted under certain conditions, etc. Introduced on 1/18/2013. HB 154 is an industrial hemp remediation pilot program bill and HR 6 and HCR 3 are resolutions directed towards the President and the state's Congressional delegation. Illinois 2013 HB 2668 Creates the Industrial Hemp Act. Introduced, first reading, and referred to the House Rules Committee on 2/21/2013. Indiana 2013 SB 580 SR 31 SB 580 authorizes the licensed cultivation and production of industrial hemp in accordance with rules adopted by the department of agriculture. (Bill has many drug policy components as well.) 1/15/2013, read first time and referred to Committee on Corrections & Criminal Law. SR 31, urging to study the legalization of growing industrial hemp. Introduced on 1/14/2013. Iowa 2013 SF 264 An Act providing for the production and marketing of industrial hemp, and providing for penalties. Introduced and referred to Agriculture committee on 2/26/2013. Kentucky 2013 SB 50 HB 33 SB 50 was introduced on 1/11/2013 and and HB 33 was introduced on 1/8/2013. These bills have the support of Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Hemp Commission, some of the Kentucky Congressional delegation, and group of bipartisan state legislators. Maine 2013 LD 525 This bill removes the requirements that an applicant for an initial license to grow industrial hemp for commercial purposes must submit a set of the applicant's fingerprints and file with the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry documentation indicating that the seeds planted were a type and variety of hemp approved by the commissioner and also repeals the provision that licensure is contingent upon action by the Federal Government. Maryland 2013 HB 1453 This bill removes the requirements that an applicant for an initial license to grow industrial hemp for commercial purposes must submit a set of the applicant's fingerprints and file with the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry documentation indicating that the seeds planted were a type and variety of hemp approved by the commissioner and also repeals the provision that licensure is contingent upon action by the Federal Government. Massachusetts 2013 H.823 An Act regulating the cultivation of Industrial Hemp. Introduced 1/22/2013. Referred to Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture 1/22/2013. Minnesota 2013 HF 736 Industrial hemp industry development provided for, rulemaking authorized, defense provided for possession and cultivation of industrial hemp, and marijuana definition modified. Introduced, first reading and referred to Agriculture Policy Committee on 2/20/2013. Missouri 2013 SB 358 This act exempts industrial hemp, which is defined as cannabis sativa L. containing no greater than one percent THC, from the definition of marijuana and the list of controlled substances. In addition, this act specifies that it is legal for any person who has not been convicted of any drug-related offense to grow and cultivate industrial hemp. Under this act, the burden of proof is on the defendant to prove that a substance is industrial hemp and not a controlled substance. Introduced and Read First Time on 2/20/2013. New Hampshire 2013 HB 153 This bill prohibits the designation of industrial hemp as a controlled substance. Introduced 1/3/2013. Passed the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee by a vote of 17 to 2, Ought to Pass (OTP) on 2/19/2013. New Jersey 2013 A2415 AR54 A2415 establishes an industrial Hemp license. Introduced 2/6/2012. Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. AR54 urges President and Congress to enact "Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011" and each NJ member of Congress to sponsor the legislation and work for its enactment. Introduced 2/6/2012. Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Both bills are carried over from 2012. Vermont 2013 S 29 H 490 S 29, an Act Relating to Authorizing Industrial Hemp Licenses. This bill proposes to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets to issue a license to grow industrial hemp pursuant to current Vermont statute. Introduced in the Senate on 1/15/2013. H 490, an Act Relating to Authorizing Industrial Hemp Licenses. Introduced in the House on 3/1/2013. Washington 2013 SB 5222 HB 1888 SB 5222 - An Act Relating to industrial hemp; and creating new sections. Requires Washington State University to study the feasibility and desirability of industrial hemp production in the state. Introduced 1/23/2013. HB 1888 - An Act Relating to industrial hemp; adding a new chapter to Title; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties. Introduced 1/14/2013. West Virginia 2013 HB 3011 Removes the provision that requires an applicant to meet federal requirements concerning the production, distribution and sale of industrial hemp prior to being licensed. Introduced on 3/20/2013. State Session Year Bill Number Current Status Colorado 2012 HB12-1099 Concerning the establishment of an industrial hemp remediation pilot program to study phytoremediation through the growth of hemp on contaminated soil. Introduced in House on 1/18/2012. Signed by Governor on 6/4/2012. Hawaii 2012 SB 2890 HB 1820 HB 1727 Allows privately funded industrial hemp research to be conducted in Hawaii under certain conditions. Introduced on 1/25/2012, 1/18/2012, and 1/18/2012. All three bills died in Committee. Illinois 2012 HB 5757 Creates the Industrial Hemp Act of 2012. Contains only a short title provision. Introduced, first reading, and referred to the House Rules Committee on 2/16/2012. Kentucky 2012 HB 286 HB 272 SB 41 HB 286 is an act relating to industrial hemp. It differs from HB 272 and SB 41 in that it amends KRS 260.857 to make the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture the chair of the commission. Introduced in House 1/19/2012; to Agriculture & Small Business (H) 1/20/2012. HB 272 is an act relating to industrial hemp. Introduced in House 1/18/2012; to Agriculture & Small Business (H) 1/20/2012. SB 41 is an act relating to industrial hemp. Introduced in Senate; to Agriculture (S) 1/3/2012. The bills had no action taken on them. New Hampshire 2012 HB 1615 HR 20 HB 1615 is a bill that prohibits the designation of industrial hemp as a controlled substance. Introduced 1/4/2012. HR 20 is a resolution that urges the federal government to allow the cultivation of hemp for industrial purposes. Introduced 1/4/2012. HB 1615 passed the House and was held over for interim study by the Senate. HR 20 passed. New Jersey 2012 A2415 AR54 A2415 establishes an industrial Hemp license. Introduced 2/6/2012. Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. AR54 urges President and Congress to enact "Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011" and each NJ member of Congress to sponsor the legislation and work for its enactment. Introduced 2/6/2012. Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. New Mexico 2012 HB 62 Relating to economic development; providing for licensing the growing, selling and processing of Santhica; establishing fees and revenues; providing for administrative monitoring. Introduced 1/13/12. Died in Committee. Vermont 2012 H. 747 An act relating to cigarette manufacturers, commercial cigarette rolling machines, and industrial hemp. Introduced on 2/1/2012. Signed by Governor Shumlin on 5/5/2012. State Session Year Bill Number Current Status California 2011 SB 676 An Act relating to industrial hemp. Introduced on 2/18/11. Passed the Senate on a vote of 22 to 14 on 5/31/2011. Illinois 2011 HB 1383 HR 271 HB 1383 is a bill that creates the Industrial Hemp Act. Provides that any person desiring to grow, process, cultivate, harvest, process, possess, sell, or purchase industrial hemp or industrial hemp related products must be licensed by the Department of Agriculture. Provides that the application for a license shall include the name and address of the applicant and the legal description of the land area to be used to grow or process industrial hemp and that the license shall be valid for a period of one year. Requires an applicant to complete a statewide and nationwide criminal background check. Provides that no person with a prior felony conviction within 10 years of applying for a license shall be eligible for licensure. Preempts home rule. Introduced on 2/9/2011. Referred to the House Rules Committee on 2/14/2011. Assigned to the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee 2/15/11. Do Pass / Short Debate by a vote of 11-2 on 3/1/2011. Lost by a vote of 028-083-000 on 3/31/2011. HR 271 is a resolution that urges the President, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, the United States Food and Drug Administration, the United States Attorney General, and all other relevant agencies of the executive branch of the United States government to take immediate steps to remove barriers that prevent Illinois and other American farmers from growing industrial hemp. The resolution lost on a vote of 021-092-000 on 5/31/2011. Kentucky 2011 SB 30 An Act relating to industrial hemp. Introduced 1/4/2011. Referred to the Senate Agriculture Committee. Massachusetts 2011 H.2758 An Act regulating the cultivation of Industrial Hemp. Introduced 1/21/2011. Referred to Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture 1/24/2011. Hearing scheduled for 10/18/2011 from 10:00 AM-03:00 PM in 437. Minnesota 2011 HF 759 Hemp industry development and regulation provided, rulemaking authorized, defense for possession and cultivation of industrial hemp provided, and definition of marijuana modified. Introduced, first reading and referred to Agriculture and Rural Development Policy and Finance on 2/28/2011. New Hampshire 2011 HB 101 Establishes an industrial hemp special program fund. Introduced 1/5/2011. Referred to the House Environment and Agriculture Committee. Public Hearing was held on 1/18/2011 at 2:00 PM, LOB 303. Executive Session was held on 1/25/2011 at 1:00 PM, LOB 308. Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for Feb 2 (Vote 11-7; RC) on 1/25/2011. Inexpedient to Legislate: MA RC (Motion Adopted, Regular Calendar) by a vote of 304-51 on 2/9/2011, thus the bill is dead. New Mexico 2011 HB 565 Relating to agriculture; providing for licensing the growing, selling and processing of industrial hemp; establishing fees; providing penalties; making an appropriation. Introduced 2/17/11. Died in Committee. Oregon 2011 HB 3130 Relating to industrial hemp. Creates rebuttable presumption that person convicted of violating controlled substance laws is unfit to receive or hold industrial hemp license or agricultural hemp production permit. 2-7(H) First reading. Referred to the desks of the Co-Speakers. 2-14(H) Referred to Judiciary. 6-30(H) In committee upon adjournment. State Session Year Bill Number Current Status Colorado 2010 HJR10-1027 Concerning the recognition of industrial hemp as a valuable agricultural commodity, and, in connection therewith, urging Congress to clarify the federal definition of industrial hemp, facilitate domestic production of industrial hemp, and remove barriers to state regulation of the production of industrial hemp. Introduced in House on 4/23/10. Passed in House on 5/5/10. Introduced in Senate on 5/6/10. Passed in Senate as amended on 5/12/10. Kentucky 2010 SB 14 AN ACT relating to industrial hemp. Create new sections of KRS Chapter 260 to define "department," "industrial hemp," and "THC"; require persons wanting to grow or process industrial hemp to be licensed by the Department of Agriculture; require criminal history checks by local sheriff; require the Department of Agriculture to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of the Act; require sheriff to monitor and randomly test industrial hemp fields; assess a fee of $5 per acre for every acre of industrial hemp grown, with a minimum fee of $150, to be divided equally between the Department of Agriculture and the appropriate sheriff's department; require licensees to provide the Department of Agriculture with names and addresses of any grower or buyer of industrial hemp and copies of any contracts the licensee may have entered into relating to the industrial hemp; clarify that the Act does not authorize any person to violate federal law. (Prefiled by the sponsor(s).) To: Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture 11/4/09. Introduced in Senate 1/5/10. Referred to Senate Agriculture committee 1/6/10. Michigan 2010 HR 314 A resolution to memorialize Congress and the administration to recognize industrial hemp as a valuable agricultural commodity and to take certain steps to remove barriers in order to encourage the commercial production of this crop. Introduced by Representative LaMar Lemmons on 7/28/10. Referred to Committee on Commerce on 7/28/10. Minnesota 2010 SF 2737 Omnibus agriculture and veterans policy bill. (Includes authorization for an Industrial Hemp Report.) Introduced, first reading and referred to Finance Committee on 2/22/10. As this was an omnibus bill, extensive ammendments were made. Passed by the House, passed by the Senate. Signed by the Governor on 5/13/10. Secretary of State, Chapter 333 on 5/13/10. Wisconsin 2010 AB 740 An Act to renumber and amend 961.55 (8); and to create 20.115 (7) (gc), 94.55, 961.32 (3) and 961.55 (8) (b) of the statutes; relating to: growing and processing industrial hemp, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. Introduced on 2/11/10. Read first time and referred to committee on Agriculture on 2/11/10. Public hearing held on 2/24/10. Fiscal estimate received on 3/3/10. Report passage recommended by committee on Agriculture, Ayes 6, Noes 5 on 4/20/10. Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on 4/28/10. Wisconsin 2010 AB 206 Carried over from 2009. An Act relating to: creating a committee to study the uses of industrial hemp. Introduced 4/14/09. Assembly substitute amendment 1 offered by Representatives Molepske Jr., Garthwaite, Vruwink and Danou on 1/20/10. Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on 4/28/10. State Session Year Bill Number Current Status Hawaii 2009 HB 305 Provides the authority, procedures, and licensing, related to the production of industrial hemp in the State. Pending introduction on 1/23/09. Introduced and Pass First Reading on 1/26/09. Referred to Agriculture, Judiciary, and Finance committees on 1/26/09. The bill was heard by the Agriculture Committee on 2/6/09 and the committee recommends that the measure be deferred. Kentucky 2009 SB 131 AN ACT relating to industrial hemp. Create new sections of KRS Chapter 260 to define "department," "industrial hemp," and "THC"; require persons wanting to grow or process industrial hemp to be licensed by the Department of Agriculture; require criminal history checks by local sheriff; require the Department of Agriculture to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of the Act; require sheriff to monitor and randomly test industrial hemp fields; assess a fee of $5 per acre for every acre of industrial hemp grown, with a minimum fee of $150, to be divided equally between the Department of Agriculture and the appropriate sheriff's department; require licensees to provide the Department of Agriculture with names and addresses of any grower or buyer of industrial hemp and copies of any contracts the licensee may have entered into relating to the industrial hemp; clarify that the Act does not authorize any person to violate federal law. Introduced in Senate 2/12/09. Referred to Senate Agriculture Committee 2/23/09. Maine 2009 LD 893 Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and ordered printed on 3/5/09. The Resolve was Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on 3/5/09. Senate Action: Under suspension of the Rules On motion by Senator Nutting of Androscoggin, Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and ordered printed, in concurrence on 3/5/09. Public hearing held on 4/6/09 and work session on 4/8/09. Committee vote "Ought Not to Pass" on 4/8/09 (in deference to LD 1159). Committee Report "Ought Not to Pass" on 4/13/09. Senate Action: Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) on 4/15/09. Maine 2009 LD 1159 An Act Relating to Industrial Hemp. This bill allows a person to grow industrial hemp if that person holds a license issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources and the hemp is grown under a federal permit in compliance with the conditions of that permit. Last House Action: Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and ordered printed on 3/25/09. The Bill was Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on 3/25/09. Last Senate Action: Under suspension of the Rules On motion by Senator Nutting of Androscoggin, Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and ordered printed, in concurrence on 3/25/09. Public hearing held on 4/6/09 and work session on 4/8/09. Committee vote "Anticipated Divided Report" on 4/8/09. Committee Report, Majority: Ought To Pass as Amemded, Minority: Ought Not To Pass by a vote of 10 to 1 on 5/22/09. The Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was Accepted. The Bill was Read Once on 5/26/09. The Bill was Read the Second Time and Passed To Be Engrossed as Amended, Sent for concurrence and Ordered Sent Forthwith on 5/27/09. Signed by Governor Baldacci on 6/9/09. Minnesota 2009 HF 0608 SF 1365 Industrial hemp industry development and regulation provided, possession and cultivation of industrial hemp defense provided, and marijuana definition modified. Introduced, first reading and referred to Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Committee on 2/9/09. Missouri 2009 HB 1130 This bill defines "industrial hemp" as cannabis sativa L. containing no greater than 1% tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) and exempts it from the varieties of cannabis that are classified as controlled substances. Any person who has not been convicted of any felony offense or misdemeanor drug-related offense may legally grow and cultivate industrial hemp. When a person is charged with possession of a controlled substance and he or she claims the substance was industrial hemp, the burden of proof will be on the defendant to prove that the substance was industrial hemp and not a controlled substance. Introduced and Read First Time on 3/31/09. Read Second Time on 4/1/09. Montana 2009 SJ 20 Resolution urging Congress to legalize industrial hemp. Introduced, first reading and referred to Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Committee on 2/7/09. Committee hearing held on 2/17/09. Third Reading and Passed the Senate by a vote of 48 to 1 on 2/23/09. Transmitted to the House on 2/23/09. Referred to House Agriculture Committee on 2/24/09. Committee hearing held on 3/17/2009. Third Reading and Passed the House by a vote of 89 to 11 on 4/02/09. Signed by Senate President on 4/3/09. Signed by House Speaker on 4/6/09. Filed with the Secretary of State on 4/6/09. New Hampshire 2009 HB 399 Establishes an industrial hemp special program fund. Introduced on 1/8/09. Referred to the House Environment and Agriculture Committee. Public hearing held on 2/5/2009. Subcommittee work session held on 2/10/09. Executive session held on 2/19/09 with a Majority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for Mar 4 RC (vote 9-8) and a Minority Committee Report: Ought to Pass. Floor date 3/4/09. New Mexico 2009 HM 47 A memorial requesting the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to investigate the feasibility of state incentives for commercialization of industrial hemp. Companion bill to SM 30. Introduced 2/19/09. Passed the House by a vote of 44-23 on the 32nd Legislative Day. Signed on the 33rd Legislative Day. New Mexico 2009 SM 30 A memorial requesting the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to investigate the feasibility of state incentives for commercialization of industrial hemp. Companion bill to HM 47. Introduced 2/16/09. Passed the Senate by a vote of 25-12 and Signed on the 47nd Legislative Day. New Mexico 2009 HB 403 Industrial Hemp Farming Act. An act relating to agriculture; providing for licensing the growing, selling and processing of Industrial Hemp; establishing fees; providing penalties; making an appropriation. Companion bill to SB 377. Introduced 1/28/09. New Mexico 2009 SB 377 Industrial Hemp Farming Act. An act relating to agriculture; providing for licensing the growing, selling and processing of Industrial Hemp; establishing fees; providing penalties; making an appropriation. Companion bill to HB 403. Introduced 1/28/09. North Dakota 2009 HB 1549 A bill for an Act to amend and reenact section 4-41-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to industrial hemp. Introduced on 1/19/09. Referred to the House Agriculture Committee. House Committee reported back amended, do pass on a vote of 11 to 0 on 2/2/09. House second reading and passed on a vote of 88 to 4 on 2/6/09. Received in Senate from House on 2/9/09. Introduced in Senate, first reading, referred to the Senate Agriculture Committee on 2/18/09. Senate Committee reported back amended, do pass on a vote of 7 to 0 on 3/4/09. Senate second reading and passed as amended on a vote of 40 to 1 on 3/6/09. Emergency clause carried. Returned to House on 3/9/09. North Dakota 2009 HCR 3026 A concurrent resolution urging the United States Drug Enforcement Administration to allow North Dakota to regulate industrial hemp farming without requiring federal applications, licenses, or fees. Introduced in the House on 1/29/09. Referred to the House Agriculture Committee. Adopted by the House on 2/19/09. Adopted by the Senate on 3/24/09. Returned to the House on 3/25/09. Signed by the Senate President on 4/1/09. Filed with Secretary of State on 4/7/09. Oregon 2009 SB 676 Permits production and possession of industrial hemp and trade in industrial hemp commodities and products. Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk on 3/3/09. Referred to Senate Environment and Natural Resources committee on 3/9/09. Public Hearing held on 3/26/09. Click here to listen to the Public Hearing for SB 676 (mp3 audio 54:40, 49 MB). Work Session held on 4/14/09 and 4/21/09. Recommendation: Do Pass with amendments (Printed A-Eng), Referred to Ways and Means by order of the President and Assigned to Subcommittee On Natural Resources on 5/5/09. Public Hearing held on 5/13/09. Work Session held and Returned to Full Committee on 6/4/09. Work Session held on 6/9/09. Recommendation: Do pass with amendments to the A-Eng. bill, (Printed B-Eng.) on 6/16/09. Vermont 2009 JRS 26 A joint resolution in support of Act 212 of 2008. The General Assembly urges Congress to Recognize industrial hemp as a valuable agricultural commodity and that the United States Drug Enforcement Administration allow the states to regulate industrial hemp farming without federal applications, licenses or fees. Senate: Read first time & placed on action calendar per Rule 51 on 3/27/09. Adopted on the part of the Senate on 4/14/09. House: Read First time, treated as a bill and referred to committee on Agriculture on 4/15/09. Wisconsin 2009 AB 206 An Act relating to: creating a committee to study the uses of industrial hemp. Introduced 4/14/09. Read first time and referred to committee on Rural Economic Development on 4/14/09. Carried over to 2010. State Session Year Bill Number Current Status California 2008 AB 684 An act to amend Section 11018 of, and to add Section 11018.5 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to industrial hemp. Introduced on 2/21/07. Passed out of the General Assembly on 5/10/07 by a vote of 41 to 29. Passed the Senate by a vote of 26-13 on 9/11/2007. In the Assembly the concurrance vote was 46-29 on 9/12/2007. Vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on 10/11/07. Consideration of Governor's veto pending. Hawaii 2008 HB 1535 Legalizes and regulates the possession and production of, and commerce involving, industrial hemp. Introduced and Pass First Reading on 1/24/07. Referred to Agriculture, Judiciary, and Finance committees. Carried over from 2007. Minnesota 2008 HF 2168 HF 3902 Introduced on 3/19/07. There is companion bill in the Senate, SF 3537. In committee on adjournment on 5/18/08; thus died in committee. South Carolina 2008 H 3305 A Joint Resolution to create a committee to study the beneficial uses of industrial hemp, to provide for the study committee's membership, and to require that the study committee report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly before January 15, 2008, at which time the study committee is abolished. Introduced in the House and read for the first time on 1/17/07. Recalled from Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs and referred to Committee on Judiciary 1/10/08. Carried over from 2007. Vermont 2008 H 267 This bill proposes to permit the development of an industrial hemp industry in Vermont. Introduced on 2/9/07. Referred to the House Agriculture Committee. Carried over from 2007. Passed the House by a vote of 126 to 9 on 2/7/08 and passed the Senate by a vote of 25 to 1 on 5/1/08. Allowed to become law by Governor Douglas without his signature on 5/29/08. Wisconsin 2008 AB 146 An Act relating to: creating a committee to study the uses of industrial hemp. Introduced 3/5/2007. Carried over from 2007. Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on 3/21/08. State Session Year Bill Number Current Status California 2007 AB 684 An act to amend Section 11018 of, and to add Section 11018.5 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to industrial hemp. Introduced on 2/21/07. Passed out of the General Assembly on 5/10/07 by a vote of 41 to 29. Passed the Senate by a vote of 26-13 on 9/11/2007. In the Assembly the concurrance vote was 46-29 on 9/12/2007. Vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on 10/11/07. Hawaii 2007 HB 1535 Legalizes and regulates the possession and production of, and commerce involving, industrial hemp. Introduced and Pass First Reading on 1/24/07. Referred to Agriculture, Judiciary, and Finance committees. Idaho 2007 RS 16621 Resolution asking the U.S. Congress to legalize hemp farming. Killed in the House Agricultural Affairs Committee by a 6-4 vote on 1/30/07. New Hampshire 2007 HB 424 Establishes an industrial hemp special program fund. Introduced on 1/4/07. Passed House on 4/5/07 on a 190-76 vote. Senate Commerce, Labor and Consumer Protection Committee voted Inexpedient to Legislate, 5-1 on 5/3/07. Killed in the Senate on a voice vote 5/10/07. New Mexico 2007 HM 49 A memorial requesting the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to study the viability of a legal hemp industry; urging Congress to recognize industrial hemp as a valuable agricultural commodity and to take certain other actions. Passed House 59-2 on 3/5/07. Signed 3/6/07. Official bill status abbreviations: [31] HAGC [36] DP/a [39] PASSED/H (59-2) [40] SGND. North Dakota 2007 SB 2099 To amend and reenact subsections 1 and 3 of section 4-41-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to industrial hemp; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to declare an emergency. Introduced on 1/3/07. Passed Senate 46-0 on 1/11/07. Passed House 79-11 on 2/26/07. Signed by House Speaker 2/28/07. Signed by Senate President 3/2/07. Signed by Governor 3/5/07. Filed with Secretary of State 3/6/07. North Dakota 2007 HB 1490 To create and enact a new section to chapter 4-41 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the sale of industrial hemp seed; to amend and reenact subdivision b of subsection 2 of section 12-60-24 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to criminal history record checks; to provide an appropriation; and to declare an emergency. Introduced on 1/15/07. Passed House 89-2 on 2/6/07. Signed by House Speaker 2/28/07. Signed by Senate President 3/2/07. Passed Senate 40-0 on 2/23/07. Signed by Governor 3/5/07. Filed with Secretary of State 3/6/07. North Dakota 2007 HB 1020 Introduced by Appropriations Committee (At the request of the Governor). A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the extension service, northern crops institute, upper great plains transportation institute, main research center, branch research centers, and agronomy seed farm; to provide for transfer of funds; and to declare an emergency. Introduced on 1/3/07. Passed House 92-0 on 4/24/07. Passed Senate 47-0 on 4/25/07. Signed by Governor 4/27/07. Filed with Secretary of State 4/30/07. North Dakota 2007 HCR 3028 A concurrent resolution urging Congress to recognize the multiple benefits of industrial hemp and to facilitate the growing of industrial hemp and the expansion of industries reliant on industrial hemp-based products. Introduced on 1/26/07. Adopted by House on 2/13/07. Adopted by the Senate w/amendment on 3/15/07. Returned to House on 3/16/07. House concurred w/ Senate 4/3/07 on an 89-0 vote. Signed by Senate President and House Speaker on 4/5/07. Filed with Secretary of State on 4/5/07. North Dakota 2007 HCR 3042 A concurrent resolution urging Congress to direct the United States Drug Enforcement Administration to differentiate between industrial hemp and marijuana. Introduced on 1/26/07. Adopted by House on 2/13/07. Adopted by the Senate on 3/12/07. Signed by Senate President and House Speaker on 3/20/07. Filed with Secretary of State on 3/20/07. Minnesota 2007 HF 2168 Introduced on 3/19/07. First reading and referred to Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs committee. Oregon 2007 SB 348 Allows hemp farming under state license. Introduced on 1/12/07. Referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources and then Ways and Means on 1/18/07. Public hearing held in the Senate Environment and Land Use Committee on 4/24/07. In committee upon adjournment on 6/28/07; thus died in committee. South Carolina 2007 H 3305 A Joint Resolution to create a committee to study the beneficial uses of industrial hemp, to provide for the study committee's membership, and to require that the study committee report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly before January 15, 2008, at which time the study committee is abolished. Introduced in the House and read for the first time on 1/17/07. Vermont 2007 H 267 This bill proposes to permit the development of an industrial hemp industry in Vermont. Introduced on 2/9/07. Referred to the House Agriculture Committee. Hearings on Wednesday, April 25 - Friday, April 27, 2007. Wisconsin 2007 AB 146 An Act relating to: creating a committee to study the uses of industrial hemp. Introduced 3/5/2007. Referred to committee on Rural Economic Development. Public hearing on April 18, 2007 at 1:00 PM in Room 328 Northwest, State Capitol. State Session Year Bill Number Current Status California 2006 AB 1147 Amends sections of the Health and Safety Code, relating to industrial hemp, and defines the plant as distinct from marijuana. Held over from 2005 (see below). Heard on 1/10/06 before the Assembly Public Safety Committee (passed 4 to 2) and on 1/18/06 before the Assembly Appropriations Committee (passed 13 to 3). Passed out of the General Assembly on 1/26/06 by a vote of 44 to 32. Then made it out of a couple Senate Committees and passed out of the full Senate on 8/16/06 by a vote of 26 to 13. Passed out of the Assembly again on a concurrence vote (for Senate amendments) of 44 to 29 on 8/21/06. Enrolled and sent to the Governor on 9/5/06 for his signature. Vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on 9/30/06. North Carolina 2006 S 1572 H 1723 Creates an independent commission to study the beneficial uses of industrial hemp. Introduced on 5/17/06 and referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Operations on 5/18/06. Incorporated into H 1723, "The Studies Act of 2006," on 7/27/06. Signed and passed into law by Gov. Easley on 8/16/06. Vermont 2006 H 455 Allows hemp farming under state license. Held over from 2005 (see below). Introduced on 3/8/05 and referred to and considered by the House Agriculture Committee. Public hearings held on 2/14, 2/16, 2/22, 2/23 & 3/16/06. Died in committee. State Session Year Bill Number Current Status California 2005 AB 1147 Amends sections of the Health and Safety Code, relating to industrial hemp, and defines the plant as distinct from marijuana. Introduced on 2/22/05 and heard on 4/27/05 before the Agriculture Committee. Held over until 2006. New Hampshire 2005 HB 55 Establishes an industrial hemp special program fund. Introduced on 12/1/04. Passed the House on 3/23/05 by a margin of 199-168 after coming out of the House Environment and Agriculture Committee. Heard by the Senate Environment and Wildlife Committee on 4/19/05. The Senate status of "Inexpedient to Legislate" indicates no further action will be taken on this bill (in other words, it's dead). North Dakota 2005 HB 1492 Allows feral hemp seed collection and breeding at NDSU. Introduced on 1/17/05. Passed 87-3 in the House; passed 46-0 in the Senate. Signed and passed into law by Gov. Hoeven on 3/9/05. Oregon 2005 SB 294 Allows hemp farming under state license. Introduced on 1/13/05 and referred to the Environment & Land Use Committee, then to the Ways and Means Committee on 1/19/05. Public hearing held in the Senate Environment and Land Use Committee on 4/6/05. In committee upon adjournment on 8/5/05; thus died in committee. Vermont 2005 H 455 Allows hemp farming under state license. Introduced on 3/8/05 and sent to the House Agriculture Committee. Held over until 2006. State Session Year Bill Number Current Status New Hampshire 2004 HB 653 Authorizes the production of industrial hemp. Introduced on 1/15/04, but no vote taken. State Session Year Bill Number Current Status Iowa 2003 SF 191 Died in committee. Maine 2003 LD 53 Passed into law on 4/18/03. New Hampshire 2003 HB 653 Authorizes the production of industrial hemp, but passed over (no action taken). Oregon 2003 HB 2769 Permits regulated production of industrial hemp, but passed over (no action taken). Vermont 2003 S 169 Introduced on 3/18/03 and sent to the Senate Agriculture Committee. No committee hearings were found where this bill was considered. Died in committee. State Session Year Bill Number Current Status Arizona 2002 SB 1431 Passed in the House Education Committee, but no action taken. California 2002 AB 388 Passed on 8/15/02, but vetoed by Gov. Davis on 9/15/02. Hawaii 2002 HB 57 Passed into law. Minnesota 2002 SF 3395 HF 3569 Died in committee. Died in committee. Maine 2002 LD 1174 Died between houses. New Mexico 2002 HB 350 Died in committee. South Dakota 2002 Initiated Measure 1 Voter initiative which failed to pass, as only 39% voted in favor. Vermont 2002 S 119 Died in committee. West Virginia 2002 SB 447 Passed into law. Wisconsin 2002 AB 679 Passed by the Agriculture Committee, but died in the Rules Committee. State Session Year Bill Number Current Status Arizona 2001 SB 1519 Passed on 4/19/01, but vetoed by Gov. Hull on 4/25/01. California 2001 AB 448 Died in Assembly committee. Idaho 2001 HJM 3 Killed in the House by a 47-15 vote. Hawaii 2001 HB 57 Passed into law. Illinois 2001 SB 1397 HB 3377 Passed into law, but vetoed by Gov. Ryan twice despite changes to meet his objections. Iowa 2001 SF 61 HF 202 SF 61 died in the Senate Agriculture Committee; HF 202 died in the House Agriculture Committee. Kentucky 2001 HB 100 Passed into law and signed by Gov. Patton. Montana 2001 SB 261 Passed into law and signed by Gov. Martz on 4/23/01. Nebraska 2001 LB 273 Died in House committee. New Hampshire 2001 HB 293 Died in House committee. New Mexico 2001 HB 582 HB 583 Died in House committee. North Dakota 2001 HCR 3033 Passed into law. Oregon 2001 SB 531 HB 3227 SB 531 died in Senate committee. HB 3227 died in House committee. South Dakota 2001 SB 86 Voted down in Senate committee. Vermont 2001 S 119 Deferred to 2002. Virginia 2001 HJ 605 Passed into law. State Year Bill Number Current Status Illinois 2000 HR 553 Passed into law. Iowa 2000 SF 2413 HF 320 SF 2413 died in the Senate Appropriations Committee; HF 320 died in the House Agriculture Committee. Kentucky 2000 HB 855 Legislative session ended with no action. Maryland 2000 HB 1250 The bill established a 4 1/2 year pilot program to study the growth and marketing of industrial hemp. Passed into law and signed by Gov. Glendening. New Hampshire 2000 HB 239 HJR 25 HB 239 died in committee; HJR 25 deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" (thus died in the Senate). New Mexico 2000 HB 388 Died in House committee. Vermont 2000 JRS 98 Passed into law. State Year Bill Number Current Status Arkansas 1999 SR 13 Passed into law. California 1999 HR 32 Passed into law. Hawaii 1999 HB 32 Passed into law. Hawaii 1999 HR 109 Passed into law. Hawaii 1999 HR 110 Passed into law. Illinois 1999 SR 49HR 168 Passed into law. Iowa 1999 SF 340 HF 402 SF 340 died in the Senate Appropriations Committee; HF 402 died in the House Agriculture Committee. Minnesota 1999 SF 122 HF 1238 HF 64 SF 122 passed in the Senate; companion bill HF 1238 died in House committee; HF 64 also died in House committee. Montana 1999 HR 2 Resolution passed by both houses of the legislature. North Dakota 1999 HB 1428 HCR 3038 Passed into law. Passed into law. Tennessee 1999 HB 864 Died in committee. Virginia 1999 HJ 94 Passed into law. State Year Bill Number Current Status Kansas 1998 SCR 1605 Died in committee. Missouri 1998 SCR 42 Died in committee. New Mexico 1998 HB 222 Passed both houses, but vetoed by Gov. Johnson. New Hampshire 1998 HB 1576 Died in committee. Vermont 1998 JRH 149 "Resolution as Adopted." Sent to the DEA and Congressional delegation. State Year Bill Number Current Status Missouri 1997 SB 79 Passed in the Senate, but voted down on the House floor after the DEA lobbied against it. Missouri 1997 HB 283 Died in committee. North Dakota 1997 HB 1305 Passed into law. Oregon 1997 HB 3623 Died in committee. Virginia 1997 HJ 656 Passed over in the Rules Committee (no action taken). State Year Bill Number Current Status Colorado 1996 SB 67 Passed in the Senate, but failed in the House Agriculture Committee after the DEA lobbied against it. Missouri 1996 SCR 26 Died in committee. Missouri 1996 SB 972 Died in committee. Vermont 1996 H 783 "As Enacted into Law." Gov. Dean did not sign the bill, nor did he veto it. State Year Bill Number Current Status Colorado 1995 SB 132 Failed in the Senate Agriculture Committee.