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Minutes for SB345 - Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources
Short Title
Establishing requirements for the effective disposal of industrial hemp.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 19, 2020
Chairperson Kerschen welcomed Tucker Stewart with the Kansas Livestock Association and members of the Young Stockmen's Academy who were visiting the Capitol. In turn, Tucker Stewart asked each member to introduce themselves and tell the committee in what county in Kansas they lived.
Chairperson Kerschen opened the hearing on SB345.
Tamera Lawrence with the Revisor of Statutes Office explained the bill. The bill would require the Kansas Department of Agriculture to notify relevant jurisdictional law enforcement when any individual licensed under the Commercial Industrial Hemp Act is required to dispose of industrial hemp.
Ed Klumpp spoke in favor of the bill. He believes that federal laws have not adequately addressed the issue of effective disposal of"hot hemp". He thinks the solution proposed in this bill is reasonable and compliant under the existing federal laws and workable for Kansas.(Attachment 1)
Ken Titus testified in support of the bill. He told the committee that in order to prevent a potential strain on local resources, Kansas Department of Agriculture worked with the Kansas Sheriff's Association to develop SB345. It allows KDA to operate a commercial hemp plan and to assist local law enforcement. This avoids an undue burden being placed on local law enforcement resources while at the same time ensuring the proper level of involvement and oversight of controlled substances.(Attachment 2)
Written proponent testimony was submitted by Shahira Stafford with the Kansas Cooperative Council.(Attachment 3)
Questions and comments were addressed to both Ed Klumpp and Ken Titus. Senator Berger commented that he felt the bill was a bit unclear and could open up the state up to litigation. Senator Billinger asked who decides if and how the hemp is destroyed. Ed Klumpp answered that if there is more than .3 per cent THC, law says it must be destroyed. It is destroyed by tilling it under, composting it or burning it. Senator Francisco asked who decides someone is not in compliance. Ken Titus answered that KDA inspectors and the KDA lab run tests on the product.
Senator Ware suggested an amendment to raise the level to .3 in all other hemp products. Chairperson Kerschen said there was another bill being heard on Friday to address this issue.
Chairperson Kerschen closed the hearing on SB345.
With no further business before the committee, Chairperson Kerschen adjourned the meeting at 9:00 AM.
