AC393C10478486FF8725827F006EE82B Hearing Summary

Representative Arndt presented Senate Bill 18-235, concerning the creation of the Colorado Industrial Hemp Research and Development Authority.  The bill creates the eight member Colorado Industrial Hemp Research and Development Task Force to study whether to create an industrial hemp research and development authority.  The authority would develop, fund, and promote educational, research, and development programs and collaborative efforts concerning industrial hemp.  The task force will include representation from the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado State University, the University of Colorado, Colorado Mesa University, a nonprofit industrial hemp research and development organization, and three members jointly appointed by the chairs of the House and Senate Agriculture committees.  Task force members serve without compensation.  On or before December 31, 2018, the task force is required to provide a summary of its findings to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.

Duane Sinning, Colorado Department of Agriculture, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Arndt made concluding comments on the bill.