The Kratom Consumer Protection Act aims to regulate the sale and distribution of kratom products in Nebraska by establishing clear definitions for terms such as "kratom leaf," "kratom extract," and "kratom product." The bill prohibits the sale of these products to individuals under the age of twenty-one and requires online retailers to implement age-verification systems. It mandates compliance with federal regulations regarding manufacturing, labeling, and safety standards, including specific labeling requirements to inform consumers about potential risks and product contents. A registration process for kratom products is also introduced, which must be completed before sales can occur, with the Department of Revenue overseeing this program and maintaining a public list of registered products.
The bill includes provisions for penalties, such as the forfeiture of a processor's registration certificate for violations, and allows for prosecution for perjury if false statements are made during the registration process. It also restricts political subdivisions from imposing additional regulations beyond those established in the Act and grants the Department of Revenue the authority to create rules for enforcement. The Act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, with an operative date of July 1, 2025.