AR SB499

Increases assessment rates on rice from 1.35 cents to 2 cents per bushel for both buyers at first point of sale and producers

Specifies that buyer assessment funds support market development, rice promotion, and basic administration, with option to defray referendum costs

Specifies that producer assessment funds support rice extension, rice research, and basic administration, with option to defray referendum costs

Allows the board to use up to 20% of total assessment proceeds for market development, rice promotion, extension, research, education, outreach, policy development, and food safety

Declares an emergency effective August 1, 2023 to align implementation with the rice marketing year (August 1 - July 31)