EDUCATE Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9344
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T19:23:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to create dedicated federal funding and programs for agricultural research on marijuana cultivation and processing at specific institutions of higher education. It aims to support studies on best practices, sustainability, economic opportunities for minority farmers, and workforce training while ensuring compliance with federal controlled substances rules.
Key Provisions
- Research Grants Program: The Secretary of Agriculture, through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, awards competitive grants to "authorized institutions" for research on marijuana cultivation, harvesting, soil health, pest management, economic development for minority farmers, and related workforce training.
- Scholarship Program: Establishes the Marijuana Agriculture Studies Scholarship Program, providing up to $10,000 per student annually for undergraduates or graduates pursuing careers in marijuana or hemp agriculture, plant science, or related fields.
- Funding Authorizations: Up to $5 million annually for research grants (fiscal years 2026–2030), with at least 25% reserved for Hispanic-serving institutions; up to $100,000 annually for scholarships.
- Reporting Requirements: Annual reports to congressional agriculture committees on grants awarded, research outcomes, and scholarship participation.
- Protections: Institutions, researchers, and participants receive "safe harbor" from federal prosecution, civil penalties, or denial of other federal benefits when operating under required registrations.
- Eligibility and Definitions: Limits participation to 1890 Institutions (historically Black land-grant colleges), Hispanic-serving institutions, and certain part B institutions with agricultural programs that hold a Controlled Substances Act registration for marijuana research.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Adds a new Subtitle P to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, creating two new grant programs focused specifically on marijuana agriculture.
- Introduces explicit federal protections against penalties under the Controlled Substances Act for compliant research activities, which did not previously exist in this agricultural research framework.
- Requires coordination with federal agencies for compliance and prioritizes partnerships with minority and small-scale farmers in grant selection.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases administrative responsibilities for the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture in managing grants, registrations, and annual reporting.
- Citizens: May expand research and training opportunities in emerging agricultural markets, particularly benefiting minority and disadvantaged farmers and students at eligible institutions.
- International Relations: No direct provisions affect international relations or trade.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- 1890 Institutions and other covered institutions (Hispanic-serving and part B institutions with agricultural programs).
- Minority and small-scale farmers, community-based agricultural organizations, and students in food and agricultural sciences.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
- Congressional committees on agriculture.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Creates a limited safe harbor under federal law for marijuana-related research at registered institutions, potentially raising questions about consistency with the Controlled Substances Act while maintaining registration requirements.
- Emphasizes equitable distribution of funds and nondiscrimination protections, which could influence future policy on federal benefits for institutions involved in controlled substance research.
- Remains neutral on broader marijuana legalization, focusing solely on agricultural research at designated educational institutions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Establishing and Developing University Cannabis Agriculture Techniques and Excellence Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (8 pages)