US HB3516

Checkoff programs with annual assessment revenue exceeding $20,000,000 are prohibited from contracting with entities that engage in lobbying or activities to influence government agricultural policy, with an exception for contracts with higher education institutions for research and extension purposes

Board members and employees are prohibited from engaging in conflicts of interest, anticompetitive activities, unfair or deceptive practices, and disparaging other agricultural commodities or products

Boards must publicly disclose all budgets, disbursements, and contractor records within 30 days, including recipient identities, funding amounts, purposes, and any subcontractors receiving funds

USDA Inspector General must audit each checkoff program for compliance within 2 years of enactment and every 5 years thereafter; GAO must conduct a separate audit between 3-5 years after enactment to assess program integrity improvements

Applies to 23 existing commodity checkoff programs including beef, pork, dairy, eggs, cotton, soybeans, honey, and various produce programs established under federal law