CS/HB 271 - Industrial Hemp Programs Summary

• Authorizes the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University to conduct industrial hemp research upon approval by their respective boards of trustees, in compliance with state and federal laws.

• Requires each university to establish an Office of Hemp Research Compliance to manage and enforce rules regulating the industrial hemp program.

• Defines "qualified program personnel" as persons at least 18 years old who pass a criminal background check and are employed by or enrolled at the university.

• Mandates minimum security rules including designated limited-access areas for cultivation and processing, waste disposal protocols, storage and transportation requirements, and testing programs to ensure proper labeling of hemp material.

• Requires universities to submit a report to the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House within 2 years of program creation describing the program status and research related to cultivation, harvesting, processing, and uses of industrial hemp.