WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 757

Crimes and offenses; registration of kratom products and sworn certification of compliance; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rick Jasperse and 4 co-sponsors

House Bill 757 regulates kratom sales in Georgia, requiring processors to register products and meet safety standards, enhancing consumer protection and accountability.

House Second Readers
#agriculture #crimesandoffenses(criminalcode)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 757

Summary of House Bill 757 (HB 757)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 757 aims to regulate the sale and distribution of kratom products in Georgia by establishing a registration system for processors and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The bill seeks to enhance consumer safety and accountability within the kratom industry, addressing concerns about product quality and potential health risks associated with kratom consumption.

Key Provisions

Registration Requirements

  • Annual Registration: Processors must register any kratom product intended for sale to consumers with the Georgia Department of Agriculture. This registration must be renewed annually and includes a fee to cover administrative costs.
  • Certificate of Analysis: Processors are required to submit a certificate from a certified independent laboratory confirming that their kratom products meet safety standards.
  • Sworn Certification: Processors must provide a sworn statement affirming:
    • The product was manufactured in a facility registered with the FDA.
    • The product is safe for consumption as per its labeling.
    • The product is free from dangerous adulterants and synthesized alkaloids.
    • The product is not marketed in a manner appealing to children.

Publication of Registration Information

  • By January 1, 2026, the Department of Agriculture is mandated to create and maintain a public webpage listing all registered kratom products, allowing retailers and consumers to verify product compliance.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Processors:

    • First-time offenders committing violations knowingly or with criminal negligence face a high and aggravated misdemeanor, with subsequent offenses escalating to felony charges.
    • Negligent violations result in misdemeanor charges with fines up to $1,000.

  • Retailers:

    • Similar penalties apply to retailers for knowingly violating kratom regulations, with first offenses resulting in high and aggravated misdemeanors and subsequent offenses leading to felony charges.
    • Retailers can defend against prosecution if they can prove reliance on a processor's compliance representations.

Affected Parties

  • Processors: Businesses involved in the manufacturing and distribution of kratom products will be directly impacted by the registration and compliance requirements.
  • Retailers: Stores selling kratom products must ensure they only offer registered items and may face penalties for non-compliance.
  • Consumers: The bill aims to protect consumers by ensuring that kratom products are safe and properly labeled.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: March 11, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill is currently in the House Second Readers stage as of March 18, 2025.
  • Implementation Timeline: The registration webpage is required to be operational by January 1, 2026.

Conclusion

House Bill 757 represents a significant step towards regulating the kratom industry in Georgia, focusing on consumer safety and product integrity. By establishing a framework for registration and compliance, the bill seeks to mitigate risks associated with kratom consumption while holding processors and retailers accountable for their products.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.