SB 2029 Summary

• Creates Chapter 4.1-18 establishing industrial hemp licensing: allows persons to plant, grow, harvest, and process cannabis sativa with no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol upon obtaining agriculture commissioner license valid for one year with fee of $150 plus $25 per acre.

• Creates Chapter 4.1-20 establishing comprehensive soil conservation district laws: provides for formation, governance, and operation of soil conservation districts as political subdivisions with elected and appointed supervisors, authority to adopt land use regulations, and ability to levy taxes up to 2.5 mills.

• Creates Chapter 4.1-21 establishing state forestry program: designates state forester location in Bottineau, maintains state nursery at Towner for seed and tree stock distribution, and establishes trees for North Dakota program trust fund for tree planting and management initiatives.

• Creates Chapter 4.1-22 establishing nursery licensing and inspection requirements: mandates agriculture commissioner inspection of nursery stock annually, requires licenses for sellers, prohibits misrepresentation of plant hardiness and characteristics, and establishes penalties up to $500 civil penalty per violation.

• Creates Chapter 4.1-48 protecting potato producers from unfair buyer practices: prohibits coercion, intimidation, and contract threats; requires good faith dealing; protects collective bargaining rights; and establishes 180-day notice requirement before terminating contracts requiring $100,000+ capital investments.