FRANKFORT — A senate committee chairman is sounding upbeat about prospects for a bill that would regulate industrial hemp production in Kentucky if the federal government lifts its ban on the crop. Kentucky Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Paul Hornback of Shelbyville said Monday he intends to bring the hemp bill up for a vote. The bill is expected to be sent to his committee when the General Assembly resumes its regular session next week. The Republican says he's confident the bill can clear his committee and the full Senate. Its prospects in the House are less clear. Hornback is planning a Feb. 11 hearing for the hemp bill and Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul is expected to testify for the bill. Hornback made the comments to The Associated Press prior to a meeting of the Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission in Frankfort.
