Says he is not giving up on SB 50
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 8, 2013) — After a meeting with state House Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins on Friday, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said he was “hopeful” that the Kentucky House of Representatives will act on the industrial hemp bill he has championed.
“Rep. Adkins and I had a very positive meeting today,” Comer said. “He understands how important industrial hemp could be for his district and for all of Kentucky. I am hopeful that we will be able to work together to get a vote on Senate Bill 50 on the House floor, and if we get a vote, I am confident the bill will pass.”
House Speaker Greg Stumbo has said he may not allow a vote on SB 50, which would create an administrative framework for industrial hemp production in Kentucky once the federal government lifts restrictions on it.
“We are working with people who want to get something done on industrial hemp in this session,” Comer said. “I’m not giving up on this. I am determined to see this through and move Kentucky forward.”
Reintroducing hemp to Kentucky would give farmers a new crop, Comer said, and create processing jobs to turn the fiber and seeds into products ranging from paper to biofuels. The intent of SB 50, he said, “is to position Kentucky with a responsible program that could achieve a waiver from the federal government.”
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