HI HB1511

Directs the Community-Based Economic Development Advisory Council to retain professional research and analysis services to evaluate funding barriers and opportunities for private for-profit start-up agricultural businesses seeking to finance infrastructure projects.

Requires evaluation to include analysis of "small business" definitions under federal, state, and county standards; current loan and grant requirements; potential tax credit incentives for lenders; and inequalities in fund allocation between urban and rural farming operations.

Defines "infrastructure" as agriculturally related fences, water delivery systems, access roads, equipment, and buildings, explicitly excluding housing and land purchases or leases.

Requires preliminary report to legislature 30 days before the 2020 regular legislative session and final report by June 30, 2020, including findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation.

Appropriates unspecified funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2019-2020 to be expended by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for the evaluation services.