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Rural America is undergoing changes, and state legislatures are responding. Legislatures in nine states have initiated rural commissions and committees, dedicated to improving rural areas of their state.
State legislatures introduced more than 700 bills regarding food and food safety in 2019, with 132 being enacted and 17 adopted into law.
State legislatures have taken action to promote industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity in recent years. At least 41 states passed legislation related to industrial hemp.
Rural and underserved communities face significant challenges accessing health care services. In many areas, the supply of health care providers cannot keep up with the demand for services. The shortage or inadequate distribution of the health care workforce can create barriers to accessing timely and appropriate care, lead to negative health status and create significant costs for states.
The Natural Resources and Infrastructure Committee is one of eight NCSL Standing Committees that educates Congress and federal agencies about state concerns and serves as a forum for state legislators and legislative staff to learn about and share information regarding programs and initiatives in other states.
The Agriculture Task Force examines state and federal agricultural policy issues and serves as the conduit for state legislative communication with Congress, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other federal agencies.