March 23, 2018
Industrial Hemp
On Wednesday, the Agriculture Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 263, which would allow the Kansas Department of Agriculture to cultivate and research the uses of industrial hemp. Principally, the research would be conducted in an effort to analyze its required soils, growing conditions, harvest methods, and the potential for an industrial hemp market in Kansas.
Additionally, a pilot program in Russell County would be established to study its effect on economic development and the development of industrial hemp products. During the hearing, with many constituents from Russell in attendance, I testified in support of the bill, as did the Department of Agriculture, and private citizens. Data was included that showed hemp uses 66% less water than corn, requires virtually no pesticides or fertilizers, and has great potential to improve agricultural and economic activity in rural Kansas.
Last session, the House passed House Bill 2182, which would have established the Kansas Agricultural Industry Growth Act. This bill allowed institutions of higher learning to cultivate and conduct research on industrial hemp.
In February, the Senate approved Senate Bill 263 with a final vote count of 36-3. The Agriculture Committee worked and amended the bill on Tuesday, March 20 and passed it out to the full House for deliberation.
Budget Bill Passes Committee
On Monday morning, March 19, the Appropriations Committee began discussion on House Bill 2468, which will be the budget bill for the Kansas House of Representatives for fiscal years 2018 and 2019. Due to the education funding study being released last Friday and presentations in the K-12 Education Committee on Monday afternoon, we resumed discussion on Tuesday, March 20. Items that we addressed with the other requests from the Budget Committee reports, were addressing foster care within the Department of Children and Family, bonding with the Kansas Department of Transportation, Judicial Branch and state employee pay increases, and the nursing program with Emporia State University. The budget bill passed committee and now heads to House the floor.
Bills Passed In the House of Representatives
Last Wednesday, the House debated House Bill 2516, which would provide immunity to an individual, under specified circumstances, who enters a vehicle either by force or otherwise, to remove a vulnerable person or animal. The bill passed 122-1, I voted in favor.
On Tuesday, we debated Senate Bill 375. This bill authorizes the operation of an emergency vehicle at a gross weight not exceeding 86,000 pounds. The bill also defines a “towaway trailer transporter combination” as a trailer transporter towing unit and two trailers or semitrailers with a total weight not exceeding 26,000 pounds.
In the Appropriations Committee, we worked House Bill 2773, the Kansas Safe and Secure Schools Act. This bill is regarding school facility safety and would be a coordinated effort between the Kansas Department of Education and local school boards. It did pass out of committee and will be debated on the House floor.
Contact Information
As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, visit www.troywaymaster.com or email me at [email protected]. Also, if you happen to visit the statehouse, please let my office know.
It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.