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AL HB180
Bill
Status
3/22/2023
Primary Sponsor
Jennifer Fidler
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AI Summary
HB180 Summary
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Extends the period that assessments on nuts, bulbs, fruits, and vegetables remain in effect from three years to five years before a new referendum is required.
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Revises notice requirements for peanut assessment referendums to include publication once weekly in newspapers in counties with USDA peanut inspection and buying points, in addition to existing farm publication and county extension notifications.
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Changes the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries' administrative deduction from five percent to three percent of assessment sums collected for nuts, bulbs, fruits, and vegetables.
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Extends the audit interval for certified agricultural organizations from every two years to every five years.
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Changes referendum procedures to allow organizations to "may call" referendums rather than "shall have full power and authority to" call referendums, and allows calling new referendums no earlier than 90 days after a failed referendum.
Legislative Description
Relating to Agriculture, to amend Sections 2-8-126, 2-8-128, 2-8-131, 2-8-133, 2-8-134, 2-8-135, and 2-8-323, Code of Alabama 1975, to revise the requirements for giving notice of a referendum on an assessment to be used to promote peanuts specifically as well as other nuts, bulbs, fruits, and vegetables; to revise the time an assessment on the sale of nuts, bulbs, fruits, or vegetables is effective between referendums; to revise the percentage the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries may deduct from the sum of the assessment on nuts, bulbs, fruit, and vegetables; to revise the length of time between audits of an organization certified to conduct a referendum regarding an assessment on the sale of sheep and goats; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.
Agriculture, further provide for promotion of products programs
Last Action
Indefinitely Postpone
5/31/2023