AR SB430

Increases rice assessment rate from 1.35¢ to 2.7¢ per bushel, to be paid by the buyer instead of the producer at the first point of sale.

Requires rice buyers to collect assessments and remit them to the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration, with monthly reporting of total collections and producer preferences.

Directs the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board to allocate remaining funds after expenses as follows: 50% for rice research and 50% for promotion and market development according to producer preferences between USA Rice Federation and US Rice Producers Association.

Establishes a $100 penalty for any buyer who uses undue influence on a rice producer regarding their preference selection for fund disbursement.

Specifies that collected assessment proceeds, less not more than 3% for collection costs, shall be deposited in the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Fund under the State Treasurer.