HI SB3004

Establishes a permanent compost reimbursement program within the Department of Agriculture to provide cost reimbursements to farming operations and landscaping operations for purchasing compost from certified processors, dealers, retailers, or wholesalers.

Reimburses eligible applicants for up to 50 percent of compost purchase costs on an annual basis, with a maximum reimbursement cap of $50,000 per operation per year, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Creates a full-time, permanent compost reimbursement program manager position (exempt from civil service chapters 76 and 89) to oversee fund distribution and manage day-to-day program coordination.

Appropriates $945,000 for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the program and $55,000 for the program manager position salary.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit annual progress reports to the Legislature at least 20 days before each regular session convenes, effective July 1, 2022.