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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS26528C1
This legislation adds a new chapter, 17, to title 22 of Idaho Code to enact the Hemp Research and
Development Act, which provides legislative intent, defines hemp, and permits any persons or institutions
of higher education in Idaho to grow, cultivate, harvest, sample, test, research, process, transport,
transfer, take possession of, sell, import and export hemp or hemp products containing .3% or less of
tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) in the state to the greatest extent allowed under federal law. Section 10113
of the Federal Farm Bill of 2018 has removed hemp from schedule 1 of the controlled substances act, and
eliminates other barriers at the federal level to hemp research, cultivation and development. Found in over
50,000 products, hemp has the potential to be a lucrative alternative crop in Idaho's thriving agricultural
economy. It also amends sections of Title 37, including the Schedule 1, to revise a definition, define a
term, provide an exception for hemp containing .3% or less of tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), and provide a
correct code reference.
FISCAL NOTE
One time start-up costs include: $100,000 for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to coordinate
planning efforts with stakeholders such as growers, processors, the Idaho State Police, and others and to
contract with experts to develop a US Department of Agriculture-compliant plan with the goal of having a
plan approved by the USDA for the 2020 spring growing season; $50,000 for additional IT needs specific
to the USDA requirements and other program start-up expenses. As it is unknown to what extent Idaho
growers and entrepreneurs will invest in growing and processing hemp, it is anticipated that initial plant and
oil samples will be sent to a lab that utilizes approved testing standards. Current and ongoing costs will be
offset by grower, transporter and processor fees as determined by rule. Ongoing costs: $150,000 for salary,
benefits and operating expenses that includes 1 FTP Ag Program Manager and .5 FTP Ag Investigator Sr.
for program planning, coordination, informational sessions, and plan compliance.
Contact:
Representative Caroline Nilsson Troy
Senator Abby Lee
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note H0122


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 37-2701, 37-2705, 37-2732