September 22, 2010, Introduced by Rep. Lemmons and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
A bill to create a commission regarding industrial hemp use;
to provide for certain powers and duties for state agencies; and to
provide for the issuance of certain reports and recommendations.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 1. The industrial hemp study commission is created within
the department of agriculture.
Sec. 2. (1) The commission shall consist of the following 13
members, appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of
the senate:
(a) Two members appointed by the governor.
(b) Two members appointed from a list submitted by the
majority leader of the senate.
(c) Two members appointed from a list submitted by the speaker
of the house of representatives.
(d) The chairs of the committees dealing with agriculture in
both chambers.
(e) The directors of the departments of agriculture and
energy, labor, and economic growth as ex office members.
(f) Three members appointed from a list submitted by the
Michigan farm bureau or other predominant agricultural trade
association.
(2) The members first appointed to the commission shall be
appointed within 60 days after the effective date of this act.
Sec. 3. (1) Members shall serve for terms of 3 years or until
a successor is appointed, whichever is later, except that the
members who are the chairs of legislative committees shall serve
for 1 year or the remainder of their term as committee chair,
whichever is longer, 6 members shall serve for 2 years, and the
remainder shall serve for 3 years.
(2) If a vacancy occurs on the commission, the governor shall
make an appointment for the unexpired term in the same manner as
the original appointment.
(3) The governor may remove a member of the commission for
incompetence, dereliction of duty, malfeasance, misfeasance, or
nonfeasance in office, or any other good cause.
Sec. 4. (1) The first meeting of the commission shall be
called by the director of the department of agriculture. At the
first meeting, the commission shall elect from among its members a
chairperson and other officers as it considers necessary or
appropriate. After the first meeting, the commission shall meet at
least quarterly, or more frequently at the call of the chairperson
or if requested by 7 or more members.
(2) A majority of the members of the commission constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the
commission. A majority of the members present and serving are
required for official action of the commission.
(3) The business that the commission may perform shall be
conducted at a public meeting of the commission held in compliance
with the open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275.
(4) A writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or
retained by the commission in the performance of an official
function is subject to the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442,
MCL 15.231 to 15.246.
(5) Members of the commission shall serve without
compensation. However, members of the commission may be reimbursed
for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance
of their official duties as members of the commission.
Sec. 5. (1) The commission shall do all of the following:
(a) Conduct a review of scientific and business literature on
the industrial uses of hemp including, but not limited to, use as
alternative fuel and motor oil; uses of omega-3 rich industrial
hemp seed and oil in snack foods, body care products, and food
supplements; uses of its fiber as raw materials for construction
paper and fabric; and uses in the manufacture of recyclable vehicle
parts.
(b) Conduct a review of scientific literature on the different
types of hemp and how industrial hemp differs from the hemp plant
used in illegal drug trade.
(c) Conduct a review of the economic literature regarding the
economic benefits of, and the markets for, products utilizing
industrial hemp.
(d) Conduct a review of actions taken by the federal
government and other states allowing the use of industrial hemp
designed for industrial purposes.
(e) Evaluate the economic opportunities for Michigan that
could result from producing industrial hemp as a farm product and
for industrial use.
(f) Examine other issues that the commission determines
relevant to the use of industrial hemp.
(g) Develop findings and recommendations related to the topics
listed in subdivisions (a) to (f), including any legislative
proposals determined appropriate.
(2) The commission shall issue a report of its findings and
recommendations to the legislature not later than 4 years after the
effective date of this act.