A Hudson Valley state lawmaker's new bill to expand the use of industrial hemp in the state was signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Sen. Michelle Hinchey's bill will now instruct several state groups to create a plan to expand the uses for industrial hemp in manufacturing and construction. This includes hemp textiles, packaging and hempcrete for building.

Hinchey says hemp is the material of the future and that this will position the state to be a leading producer, which will help many farmers in her area.