HI HB2306

Appropriates $500,000 in general revenues for the Food Safety Certification Costs Grant Program for fiscal year 2018-2019.

Establishes a grant program in the Department of Agriculture to help farmers and ranchers cover compliance costs with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act, FDA regulations, and state food safety laws.

Limits individual grants to a maximum of $5,000 per applicant and requires applicants to have already spent money on food safety compliance.

Restricts grant eligibility to costs incurred within the five years prior to application submission.

Eliminates the creation of a separate special fund and instead directs appropriated funds to be expended directly by the Department of Agriculture; takes effect June 29, 2018.