SB 850 Summary

• Establishes the Industrial Hemp Growers Act to create a state industrial hemp program administered by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, requiring growers to register and comply with state regulations aligned with federal standards.

• Requires growers to register with the state, submit applications with location information and criminal history reports, and pay a $1,250 registration fee, with renewals due by November 30 annually.

• Mandates sampling and testing of industrial hemp for total delta-9-THC content before harvest, with acceptable level defined as 0.3% or less on a dry weight basis; crops exceeding this threshold must be destroyed.

• Prohibits growing industrial hemp in dwellings, at undisclosed locations, or without state approval; requires growers to post signage at field boundaries and maintain sales records and five-year documentation for department inspection.

• Imposes civil penalties for violations ranging from $100-$2,000 per violation plus investigation costs, suspension of registration for up to 60 days, and permanent revocation with five-year program ban for serious violations; creates an industrial hemp fund to administer the program.