SB247 Summary

• Transfers the Farmers' Market Authority from its previous location to the Department of Agriculture and Industries, effective the first day of the third month following passage and approval.

• Authorizes the Department to establish agricultural markets for farm products (fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish) and to acquire, convey, or sell market sites with proper oversight and procedures including public auction when markets are no longer needed.

• Authorizes the Department to issue bonds up to $10,000,000 for acquiring, constructing, improving, and maintaining farmers' market facilities, with bonds payable from market revenues, lease revenues, and appropriations rather than state general funds.

• Establishes a director position under the Commissioner to administer the authority's operations, including planning, compliance, personnel management, and fiscal affairs, with all necessary staff subject to state Merit System requirements.

• Repeals the existing Chapter 5 of Title 2 (Sections 2-5-1 to 2-5-17 and 2-5-30 to 2-5-39) and replaces it with new Chapter 5A containing reorganized provisions for authority structure, operations, and bonding authority.