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CS/CS/SB 1726 — Industrial Hemp Pilot Projects
by Appropriations Committee; Agriculture Committee; and Senators Montford and Powell
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Agriculture Committee (AG)
The bill provides the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (department) with authorization and oversight of the development of industrial hemp pilot projects at the University of Florida, the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and any land grant university in the state that has a college of agriculture. These universities may develop pilot projects to cultivate, process, test, research, create, and market safe and effective commercial applications for industrial hemp in the agricultural sector in this state. The bill also requires:
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The department to adopt rules that address safety, compliance, accountability, and specified information required of universities within four months after the effective date of this act;
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Authorization from a university’s board of trustees before the university may implement a pilot project;
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Universities that implement a pilot project to develop partnerships with qualified project partners to attract experts and investors experienced with agriculture and to develop partnerships with public, nonprofit, and private entities;
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The university research office to oversee the pilot project, ensure compliance with rules adopted by the department, identify a contact person who is responsible for oversight of the pilot project, and adopt procedures and guidelines to ensure the proper operation of the pilot project; and
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A report to be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature within two years after the pilot project’s creation.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 32-0; House 108-6