126th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 525		LR 1183(02)
	An Act To Promote Industrial Hemp
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Potential current biennium cost increase - General Fund
			FY 2013-14	FY 2014-15	Projections  FY 2015-16	Projections  FY 2016-17
Appropriations/Allocations
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$23,453	$20,953	$20,953	$20,953
Revenue
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$23,453	$20,953	$20,953	$20,953
Transfers
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$0	$0	$0	$0
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This legislation repeals the provision of law that licensure of industrial hemp is contingent upon action by the Federal Government.  The bill includes an Other Special Revenue Funds allocation of $23,453 in fiscal year 2013-14 and $20,953 in fiscal year 2014-15 to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry for one one-quarter time Certified Seed Specialist position and related costs to conduct testing, inspection and monitoring.  Fees will be assessed by the department to cover these costs, increasing Other Special Revenue Funds revenue by the amounts allocated.
	Additionally, since the growing of industrial hemp is illegal under Federal law, it is possible that the State could incur legal fees if the law were challenged.  If that were to happen, the department would require a General Fund appropriation to cover the costs of the Attorney General to defend this legislation.