The bill amends the Kansas Statutes Annotated to enhance the regulation and development of industrial hemp. It establishes an advisory board within the Kansas Department of Agriculture, consisting of at least six members from diverse sectors, including law enforcement and crop research, to provide input on industrial hemp regulations. The bill mandates fingerprinting and criminal history checks for individuals seeking employment in hemp production, 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 establishment and annual registration requirements with the state fire marshal. Additionally, it prohibits the manufacture or sale of certain hemp products intended for human or animal consumption unless they comply with existing food and drug regulations.

Moreover, the bill addresses the disposal of industrial hemp waste, requiring that any waste resembling or usable as a controlled substance be rendered unusable and unrecognizable before disposal, with exceptions for hazardous waste managed at designated facilities. It clarifies the responsibilities of the Kansas Department of Agriculture in coordinating with law enforcement for effective disposal, including the authority to take possession of, destroy, or supervise the disposal of industrial hemp. The bill also introduces provisions for fingerprinting and criminal history checks for hemp destruction employees and allows for reimbursement of disposal costs from licensed individuals. Several sections of current law are repealed, and the bill will take effect upon publication in the statute book.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
As introduced: 2-3902, 2-3903, 75-4215, 2-3905, 2-3901, 2-3906, 2-3907, 2-3908, 2-3909, 2-3911, 2-3904