HB2289 Summary

• Increases the maximum assessment fee on citrus producers from 1.5 cents to $.05 per standard carton or forty pounds of equivalent weight in bulk bins.

• Allows the Arizona Citrus Research Council to assess different fee amounts for citrus produced for the fresh market versus citrus produced for juice production.

• Expands the definition of "citrus" to explicitly include citrus produced for juice production, in addition to fresh market production.

• Requires the council to provide 30 days' advance notice before increasing fees and to hold a public hearing where testimony on the proposed fee increase can be received.

• Requires a two-thirds vote of both legislative houses for enactment under Arizona Constitution Article IX, Section 22.