Rep. Kevin Andrus

Maddy summaryIdaho's H 478 regulates the retail sale of industrial hemp products by prohibiting the sale of hemp-containing food or drink intended for human consumption. Retail stores selling such products must obtain an annual $600 license from the Idaho Department of Agriculture, with additional locations costing $25 each. The law requires stores to comply with state and federal hemp regulations, allows random product testing, and imposes civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation for noncompliance. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, and authorizes the Department to create implementing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 456) amends Idaho's industrial hemp law to create a specific exception for "negligent violations" by hemp producers. It directly affects hemp farmers and processors who unintentionally exceed the 1% THC limit (dry weight) while following proper protocols. The key provision states producers won't be considered negligent if they grew hemp solely for grain/fiber, made reasonable efforts to stay under the THC limit, and the hemp actually contained no more than 1% THC. The bill also includes procedural details about rulemaking and declares an emergency, making it effective July 1, 2025.