The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) released a news update on September 24th, notifying the public that it would be conducting an open meeting on October 3rd at 1 p.m.
From the DSHS website:
“The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will hold a public hearing to accept public comments on the implementation of House Bill 1325, 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019, specifically Health & Safety Code Chapter 443, relating to consumable hemp products.
The public hearing will be conducted from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on October 3, 2019, in Room K-100, Department of State Health Services, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756. If the time allotted does not accommodate the number of persons who register to speak on or before 3:00 p.m., DSHS will extend the public hearing to accommodate those registrants; however, that extension will only be until 5:00 p.m. on that date.
The public hearing will be structured for the receipt of oral or written comments by interested persons. Individuals may present oral statements when called upon in order of registration. There will be no open discussion during the public hearing. Comment time for each individual will be determined by the total number of persons registered to speak in the time allotted. If time permits, comments will be limited to 3 minutes per speaker but may be further limited by DSHS if more registrants need to be accommodated.
Comments may be electronically sent to: DSHSHempProgram@dshs.texas.gov or by US Mail to:
Department of State Health Services, MC 1987
8407 Wall Street
Austin, Texas, 78754
This hearing is open to the public. No reservations are required and there is no cost to attend this meeting. “
This notice is informing the public that the DSHS will be creating a Chapter 443 on consumable hemp products. If any member of the public has comments on how they believe this bill should be implemented into the Health and Safety code, this is their chance to let their voice be heard. This is not a meeting where open discussion takes place, so the panel will not be asking questions of the public that has submitted comments or are speaking that day.
It should also be noted that DSHS will be implementing 1325, not altering it. The agency will not be able to create code that goes against the language that was passed as HB 1325. This will not be an opportunity to get DSHS to codify allowing the processing or manufacture of smoke-able hemp. It is where one would be able to advocate allowing the continuing sale of these products.
Remember that if you plan to show in person and speak, it is recommended that one dress in business casual or professional attire.
**Feature Image credit: David Bass
