HB450 Summary

• Authorizes counties to establish agriculture authorities as public corporations to promote agricultural businesses, workforce development, and economic development within the county.

• Requires minimum of three county residents and qualified electors to incorporate an authority by filing articles with the judge of probate; board of directors composed of 3-7 members appointed by combination of county commission and legislative delegation, with majority appointed by legislative delegation.

• Grants authorities power to acquire property by gift, grant, lease, purchase, or eminent domain; enter into contracts; borrow money; and plan and develop agriculture centers with various facilities including offices, parks, convention halls, and cultural institutions.

• Exempts agriculture authorities from municipal planning and zoning requirements and from all state, county, and municipal sales, use, and ad valorem taxes; permits on-site alcoholic beverage consumption within agriculture centers.

• Allows counties and municipalities to lease, sell, donate property or appropriate funds to authorities; upon dissolution, all authority assets transfer to the county; effective date is the first day of the third month following passage and approval.