South Dakota legislators could be debating a bill to authorize the production of industrial hemp early in the session.

Representative Lee Qualm of Platte says he would like the bill to be a priority….

Qualm, who chaired a summer study committee that came up with the bill, says he thinks there is a lot of support..

Qualm says he wants to avoid any connection or confusion with a possible ballot issue…

Legislators return to Pierre for the start of the session on January fourteenth.