House Bill 126 Summary

• Creates the Industrial Hemp Research and Development Act, establishing Idaho's regulatory framework for production, processing, transportation, and research of industrial hemp with delta-9 THC concentration not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis.

• Requires the Idaho State Department of Agriculture director to submit a state plan to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture by September 1, 2021, and promulgate rules compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill by spring 2022 growing season.

• Establishes an Industrial Hemp Administration Fund to receive revenues from fees and civil penalties, which must be used solely for implementing the hemp provisions.

• Exempts industrial hemp from inspection and indemnification requirements under existing seed, nursery, and pesticide statutes.

• Creates transportation regulations and penalties for industrial hemp, allowing peace officer inspection of hemp shipments with sampling up to 20 grams per lot and establishing misdemeanor penalties ($150-$1,000 and up to 6 months jail) for unlicensed possession or transportation violations.