Bill > HB3948

This bill makes several key changes to the production and regulation of hemp and consumable hemp products in Texas: 1. It amends the definition of "institution of higher education" to include private or independent institutions, and allows these institutions to conduct hemp research without certain fees or permits required of other license holders. 2. It requires the Department of Agriculture to submit amendments to the state hemp plan within 120 days of any changes to state or federal laws or regulations. 3. It creates new provisions around the harvesting of hemp plants, including extending the timeline for harvest and determining delta-9 THC concentration based on the lowest possible value given the measurement of uncertainty. 4. It establishes penalties for cultivating hemp without a license, including administrative fines and criminal offenses for repeat violations. 5. It creates a new "consumable hemp products account" to fund the administration and enforcement of laws related to consumable hemp products, and imposes new restrictions on the tetrahydrocannabinol content of these products. 6. It makes various other changes to the licensing, testing, and labeling requirements for hemp and hemp products in Texas.