HB342 Summary

• Transfers the Farmers' Market Authority from independent operation to the Department of Agriculture and Industries, with the Commissioner overseeing all operations subject to Board of Agriculture and Industries approval.

• Establishes a director position under the Commissioner to administer the authority's promotional services, planning, budget, compliance activities, personnel management, and fiscal affairs.

• Authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Industries to issue bonds up to $10,000,000 for acquiring, constructing, enlarging, improving, and maintaining farmers' market facilities.

• Bonds are limited obligations payable from market charges, lease revenues, and legislative appropriations; bonds are not general obligations of the state or any county or municipality.

• Repeals prior Chapter 5 (Sections 2-5-1 to 2-5-17 and 2-5-30 to 2-5-39) and replaces with new Chapter 5A (Sections 2-5A-1 to 2-5A-15 and 2-5A-30 to 2-5A-39); becomes effective the first day of the third month after passage.