CO SB235

Creates a Colorado Industrial Hemp Research and Development Task Force consisting of 8 members to study whether to establish an industrial hemp research and development authority.

Task force membership includes 3 members jointly appointed by House and Senate agriculture committee chairs, representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Colorado State University System, University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado Mesa University, and a nonprofit hemp research organization.

Task force may recommend authority activities including applying for federal funding, developing educational programs at higher education institutions, promoting technology transfer, creating a regional information clearinghouse, supporting public-private partnerships, and applying for NIFA competitive grants.

Task force must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and relevant legislative committees by December 31, 2018.

Task force member positions are unpaid and the entire section is repealed effective July 1, 2019.