Relating to the production and regulation of hemp; providing an administrative penalty; requiring a permit to conduct certain research involving hemp; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.

HB 1113 establishes a permit system for hemp research in Texas, requiring universities, private colleges, and nonprofit research groups to obtain a permit from the Agriculture Department. The bill allows permit holders to conduct hemp research without needing additional permits for growing or handling hemp varieties (including uncertified seeds), to collect feral hemp, and to avoid preharvest testing requirements. However, permit holders must pay an application fee equal to the hemp license fee and may only sell hemp after it has been certified or approved under state rules, with a minimum six-month waiting period after harvest. This bill directly affects research institutions conducting hemp studies and creates administrative penalties for violations.