Senate approves repeal of annual industrial hemp reporting requirement

The South Dakota Senate on March 6 passed House Bill 11-16, which repeals a statutory annual reporting requirement regarding industrial hemp and its relation to law enforcement and marijuana enforcement efforts.

Senator Sauter, who brought the bill off the consent calendar for discussion, said the reporting requirement is no longer providing useful information and is an unnecessary use of staff time. "It's unnecessary paperwork that no longer needs to be required," Sauter said on the floor.

Opponents urged retaining the report for transparency and public‑safety monitoring. Senator Carly said hemp can be converted into intoxicating products and argued the annual report provides a mechanism for law enforcement oversight. "Let's have transparency and awareness of hemp usage. Let's protect our state. Please vote no," Carly said.

Senator Wheeler and others noted the recent reports have been brief and of little practical value, while Senator Blanc and other critics said the requirement is a minimal burden and should continue during the product's early regulatory period. The Senate recorded 31 ayes, 3 nays and one excused; the bill passed.

The bill removes the annual compilation task placed on the attorney general’s office. Supporters said existing law and law enforcement practices now allow agencies to distinguish hemp from marijuana without the statutorily required yearly report. Opponents said retaining the report would preserve transparency and allow monitoring of emerging products such as Delta‑9 and Delta‑8 derivatives.

House Bill 11-16 was passed on final reading after floor debate and will proceed in the legislative process for enrollment and further action.