Bill > SB321

This bill amends the Agriculture Code to make several changes related to the production and regulation of hemp in Texas. Key provisions include: 1. Adding hemp to the definition of "agricultural commodity" in the code. 2. Requiring the Texas Department of Agriculture to submit amendments to the state hemp plan within 120 days of any changes to relevant state or federal statutes or regulations. 3. Clarifying the definitions of "institution of higher education" and "private or independent institution of higher education" for the purposes of hemp research. 4. Allowing institutions of higher education to conduct hemp research without certain requirements that apply to licensed hemp producers, such as paying fees, obtaining lot crop permits, and conducting preharvest testing. 5. Requiring the Department of Agriculture to propose new rules within 90 days of changes to the hemp chapter, federal statutes, or federal regulations. 6. Allowing the Department to adopt different shipping requirements for small hemp samples being transported for testing or other purposes. 7. Specifying how the delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of hemp is to be determined and reported. 8. Establishing standards for allowing the use or sale of hemp plants harvested by individuals whose hemp licenses have been suspended or revoked. 9. Expanding the Subchapter on hemp seed and plants to include provisions related to immature hemp plants. 10. Limiting the number of negligent violations a hemp license holder can receive in a calendar year. 11. Creating administrative penalties and potential criminal charges for cultivating hemp without a license.