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GA HB458

GA HB458
Agriculture; hemp farming; provide for intent


summary

Introduced
02/16/2023
In Committee
03/07/2023
Crossed Over
03/06/2023
Passed
Dead
03/28/2024

Introduced Session

2023-2024 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Chapter 23 of Title 2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to hemp farming, so as to provide for definitions; to provide for license and permit fees, surety bonds, and eligibility; to provide for and require retail consumable hemp establishment licenses and wholesale consumable hemp establishment licenses; to allow persons convicted of any misdemeanor or a felony not related to a state or federally controlled substance within ten years of the application date to grow and process industrial hemp; to provide for exemptions for criminal background checks, federal criminal history reports, and classifiable electronically recorded fingerprints upon permit and license renewals; to provide for compliance with applicable laws; to require package requirements, labeling, and certificates of analysis for hemp products; to provide for ongoing reporting; to amend Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to offenses against public health and morals, so as to prohibit the purchase of, sale of, and the offering of samples of hemp products by or to any individual under the age of 21 years old; to provide for inspections, enforcement, and penalties for violations; to provide for venue; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for related matters; to provide for effective dates; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill proposes several key changes to Georgia's hemp farming laws: It provides definitions for "consumable hemp products" and other related terms, establishes requirements for "full panel certificates of analysis" to ensure hemp product safety and quality, and creates new licenses for retail and wholesale consumable hemp establishments. The bill also modifies the licensing process for hemp growers and processors, reducing the maximum license fee for hemp growers, allowing some individuals with prior minor drug convictions to obtain licenses, and extending processor permits from one to five years. It requires background checks and fingerprinting for license/permit applicants, but exempts these for renewals. Additionally, the bill prohibits the sale or distribution of consumable hemp products to individuals under 21 years old, requires product labeling and testing, and authorizes inspections and enforcement measures to ensure compliance. Finally, the bill creates a new article in Georgia's criminal code to regulate the purchase, sale, and distribution of consumable hemp products, with penalties for violations.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Senate Regulated Industries Committee (10:00:00 3/23/2023 450 CAP) (on 03/23/2023)

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