The Safe Stay Act would exempt industrial hemp production from certain inspection and testing requirements that currently apply to all hemp production. It would establish a separate definition for industrial hemp, allow producers to designate their hemp as industrial or for other purposes, and exclude industrial hemp from mandatory testing. The bill would also allow people with past felony drug convictions to participate in the industrial hemp program, with some restrictions.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The Safe Stay Act would exempt industrial hemp production from certain inspection and testing requirements that currently apply to all hemp production. It would establish a separate definition for industrial hemp, allow producers to designate their hemp as industrial or for other purposes, and exclude industrial hemp from mandatory testing. The bill would also allow people with past felony drug convictions to participate in the industrial hemp program, with some restrictions.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Industrial Hemp Act of 2023</b></p> <p>This bill exempts industrial hemp production from certain inspection and testing requirements. Under current law, the hemp production program requires that all hemp production meet the same inspection and testing requirements. </p> <p>The bill amends the hemp production programs for a state, Indian tribe, and the Department of Agriculture to (1) establish a separate definition for industrial hemp, (2) require a procedure for hemp producers to designate the type of hemp production as industrial hemp or hemp for any other purpose, and (3) exclude industrial hemp from testing requirements.</p> <p>Industrial hemp producers are subject to annual visual inspections. If a producer fails a visual inspection, the producer may be (1) required to provide certain documentation on the in-field practices, and (2) subject to chemical testing on harvested material.</p> <p>Currently, a person with a felony conviction related to a controlled substance is prohibited from participating in the hemp production program for ten years. This bill includes an exception to allow participation by a person producing industrial hemp. However, a person who knowingly produces a crop that is inconsistent with the industrial hemp designation is prohibited from participating in the hemp production program for five years.</p> <p>The bill also preempts state and tribal law for the regulation of industrial hemp.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Exempts industrial hemp production from certain inspection and testing requirements that currently apply to all hemp
Establishes a separate definition for industrial hemp and allows producers to designate their hemp as industrial or for other purposes
Excludes industrial hemp from mandatory testing requirements, while still allowing for visual inspections and limited chemical testing
Allows people with past felony drug convictions to participate in the industrial hemp program, with some restrictions
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If passed, this bill would primarily impact industrial hemp farmers and producers, reducing the regulatory burden they face compared to other hemp growers. It would also open up the hemp program to more people with criminal histories related to controlled substances. These changes could increase industrial hemp production and availability, but could also raise concerns about enforcement and product quality control.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Agriculture and Food
Related Subjects
Agricultural marketing and promotion
Horticulture and plants
Intergovernmental relations
State and local government operations
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
3755, 119th Congress (2025). "Safe Stay Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-3755
