S.B. 2282 Summary

• Establishes an agricultural enforcement program within the Department of Agriculture with an enforcement chief and officers to combat theft of agricultural products and commodities.

• Creates the agricultural enforcement special fund to receive grants, donations, fees, penalties, and legislative appropriations for program operations including training, equipment, technology, and enforcement activities.

• Grants agricultural enforcement officers full police powers including authority to conduct arrests, issue citations and summons, conduct searches, and seize equipment or agricultural products used in theft offenses.

• Extends law enforcement provisions to agricultural enforcement officers, including requirements for electric gun possession, law enforcement standards board certification, emergency vehicle designations, and workers' compensation coverage for volunteer officers.

• Appropriates funds from the agricultural development and food security special fund to the agricultural enforcement special fund and establishes positions for one chief enforcement officer and two enforcement officers for the islands of Hawaii and Oahu; effective July 1, 2050.