| SB 6206-S.E - DIGEST |
| (DIGEST AS ENACTED) |
Authorizes the growing of industrial hemp as a legal, agricultural activity in this state as part of an agricultural pilot program in conformance with the federal agricultural act of 2014. |
Requires the department of agriculture to: (1) Establish an industrial hemp research program in which persons grow or cultivate industrial hemp for researching the feasibility and desirability of industrial hemp production; |
(2) Supervise the program through licensure and seed certification; |
(3) Establish a licensure program to allow persons to grow industrial hemp as part of the industrial hemp research program; and |
(4) Establish an industrial hemp seed certification program in support of the industrial hemp research program. |
Requires Washington State University to study the feasibility and desirability of industrial hemp production in the state. This requirement expires August 1, 2017. |
Veto overridden on March 29, 2016. |
| VETO MESSAGE ON ESSB 6206 |
| March 10, 2016 |
| To the Honorable President and Members, |
| The Senate of the State of Washington |
| Ladies and Gentlemen: |
| I am returning herewith, without my approval, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6206 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to authorizing the growing of industrial hemp." |
| This is a worthy bill, but it has preceded the passage of the 2016-2017 supplemental operating budget, which is a greater legislative priority. Until a budget agreement is reached, I cannot support this bill. |
| For these reasons I have vetoed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6206 in its entirety. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Jay Inslee |
| Governor |