HB188 Summary

• Department of Agriculture and Industries shall establish criteria and an application process to define and approve agricultural tourist attractions, which are agricultural-based businesses providing on-site attractions to tourists.

• Applicants must pay a one-time application fee and an annual renewal fee to the department, which shall maintain a registry of approved attractions.

• Upon approval and at the applicant's request, the Department of Agriculture and Industries shall coordinate with the Department of Transportation or county engineer to place directional signs on state highways or county roads, with all costs paid by the agricultural tourist attraction.

• Directional signs on state highways require State Department of Transportation approval, and the state bears no responsibility for sign costs or maintenance; directional signs on county roads require county engineer approval, with the county bearing no responsibility for costs or maintenance.

• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.