Senate OKs plan to allow hemp-loaded trucks to cross Idaho

Legislation allowing hemp-loaded trucks to cross Idaho – where hemp is illegal – while traveling from one state to another or from Canada to a state has cleared the Senate.

The Senate on Tuesday voted 31-1 to send an amended version of the bill back to the House for consideration there.

The House passed the bill late last week, but Republican Rep. Caroline Troy at a Senate committee meeting on Monday suggested several amendments.

One amendment to the current bill seeks to have the Idaho Department of Agriculture create rules in cooperation with law enforcement officials that lawmakers will consider early next year.

A previous House bill involving legalizing hemp in Idaho appears dead after amendments in the Senate sought by law enforcement officials caused many House members to withdraw their support.