On January 8, 2015, S 134 "The Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015" was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators McConnell (R-KY), Paul (R-KY), Merkley (D-OR), and Wyden (D-OR).
The bill is identical to S 359, which was the bill introduced during the previous (113th) Congress. Congressman Thomas Massie (R--KY) introduced a companion bill in the House, HR 525.
"I've heard from countless Kentuckians about the success of our initial 2014 industrial hemp pilot programs and university studies in the Commonwealth," stated Senator McConnell in a press release. "I am especially proud that Representative Massie and I were able to work together in making those projects possible on the federal level via the 2014 Farm Bill. I support this legislation and look forward to seeing industrial hemp prosper in the Commonwealth."
"My vision for the farmers and manufacturers of Kentucky is to see us start growing hemp, creating jobs and leading the nation in this industry again. Allowing farmers throughout our nation to cultivate industrial hemp and benefit from its many uses will boost our economy and bring much-needed jobs to the agriculture industry," Senator Paul added.
The Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015 would finally remove the legal barriers that have prohibited the cultivation of hemp for commercial purposes. S. 134 and H.R. 525 would remove federal restrictions on industrial hemp farming in the U.S. and allow states to regulate the crop.
---
Sources
http://www.votehemp.com/PR/2015-1-22-congress-introduces-hemp-farming-acts.html
http://votehemp.com/federal-industrial-hemp-legislation.html
http://www.votehemp.com/PDF/Industrial%20Hemp%20Farming%20Act%20of%202015.pdf