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H 456

INDUSTRIAL HEMP – Amends existing law to provide an exception for negligent violations.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025) Introduced by Kevin Andrus

House Bill 456 aligns Idaho's industrial hemp laws with federal standards, easing penalties for negligent violations and supporting fiber and grain producers.

Reported Printed; Filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk
#agriculture #federallawsandrelations #government #research #transportation
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Bill Summary · H 456

Summary of House Bill 456: Industrial Hemp Amendments

Bill Number: H 456
Introduced: March 26, 2025
Status: Reported Printed; Filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Agriculture, Federal Laws and Relations, Government, Research, Transportation

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 456 aims to amend existing Idaho law regarding the production, processing, transportation, and research of industrial hemp. The primary intent of the bill is to align state regulations with federal standards, specifically those outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill. Additionally, the bill introduces an exception for negligent violations related to the production of industrial hemp, particularly for producers growing hemp for fiber or grain.

Key Provisions

  1. Alignment with Federal Regulations:

    • The bill specifies that industrial hemp producers growing for fiber or grain will operate under the same regulatory limits as federal regulations governing industrial hemp production.

  2. Negligent Violations Exception:

    • Producers will not be penalized for negligent violations if:
      • The hemp is produced solely for grain or fiber.
      • The producer has made reasonable efforts to maintain THC levels within acceptable limits.
      • The total THC concentration does not exceed 1% on a dry weight basis.

  3. Rulemaking Process:

    • The Idaho Department of Agriculture is required to promulgate rules that comply with the 2018 Farm Bill, ensuring that state regulations do not exceed federal standards without proper notification and justification.

  4. Penalties and Appeals:

    • Any penalties imposed on producers must follow due process, allowing for notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Producers can appeal penalties to the district court within 30 days of the final agency action.

  5. Emergency Clause:

    • The bill includes an emergency declaration, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The bill primarily affects industrial hemp producers in Idaho, particularly those focused on fiber and grain production. It also impacts the Idaho Department of Agriculture in terms of rulemaking and enforcement.

  • Fiscal Impact:

    • According to the fiscal note, the legislation is not expected to incur additional costs for state or local governments, nor will it alter existing revenue streams.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and reported printed on March 26, 2025, and is currently filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk. It is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, following the emergency declaration.

This summary provides a clear overview of House Bill 456, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on stakeholders involved in the industrial hemp industry in Idaho.

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

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