Bill > H0456

This bill amends Idaho's industrial hemp regulations by adding a new provision that clarifies what constitutes a negligent violation for hemp producers. Specifically, the bill establishes that hemp producers will not be considered to have committed a negligent violation if they are growing hemp solely for grain or fiber production, have made reasonable efforts to grow hemp within the acceptable THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) level as defined by agency rules, and the hemp does not exceed a total THC concentration of 1% on a dry weight basis. This amendment provides some protection for hemp producers who may inadvertently grow hemp with slightly elevated THC levels, as long as they are acting in good faith and following guidelines. The bill also includes an emergency clause, making the new provisions effective immediately upon passage, with a specific implementation date of July 1, 2025. The changes are part of Idaho's ongoing efforts to align its industrial hemp regulations with federal guidelines established in the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the production of industrial hemp under certain conditions.