The bill amends various sections of the Kansas Statutes Annotated to enhance the regulation and development of the industrial hemp industry. It establishes an advisory board within the Kansas Department of Agriculture, consisting of at least six members from diverse sectors, including the legislature and law enforcement, to provide guidance on industrial hemp regulations. The bill mandates fingerprinting and criminal history checks for individuals seeking employment in the hemp industry, disqualifying those with certain felony convictions within the last ten years. It also outlines licensing and registration procedures for hemp producers and processors, including fee structures and annual inspection requirements. Additionally, the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the state fire marshal are required to coordinate on licensing and processing matters, while the manufacturing and distribution of specific hemp products for human or animal consumption are prohibited, with penalties for violations.

Moreover, the bill addresses the disposal of industrial hemp waste, requiring that any waste resembling a controlled substance be rendered unusable and unrecognizable before disposal, although this does not apply to hazardous waste. It defines "unusable and unrecognizable" and establishes that violations will be considered unlawful acts under existing statutes. The Kansas Department of Agriculture is tasked with coordinating with law enforcement for effective disposal, with the authority to destroy hemp or supervise disposal methods, subject to law enforcement approval. The bill also includes provisions for fingerprinting and background checks for employees involved in hemp destruction and allows for reimbursement of disposal costs from licensed individuals. Several sections of existing law are repealed, and the act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 2-3902, 2-3903, 75-4215, 2-3905, 2-3901, 2-3906, 2-3907, 2-3908, 2-3909, 2-3911, 2-3904