This bill continues the oversight of the Commodity Handler and Farm Products Act by the Department of Agriculture for seven more years, until 2032. It also adjusts financial limits, clarifies definitions, and changes penalty fund allocations.
Key Provisions of the BillContinuation of Oversight
Extends the Department of Agriculture’s authority over the Commodity Handler and Farm Products Act until 2032.
This continuation follows a Sunset Review by the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
Increase in Small-Volume Dealer Limit
Raises the annual small-volume dealer limit from $20,000 to $45,000.
This means individuals or businesses can buy up to $45,000 worth of farm products or commodities per year before requiring additional regulatory compliance.
Allows the Commissioner of Agriculture to periodically adjust this limit as needed.
Exclusion of Marijuana as a Commodity
Clarifies that marijuana is NOT considered a "commodity" under the act.
This exclusion ensures that marijuana is regulated separately from other agricultural commodities.
Change in Civil Penalty Fund Allocation
Currently: Civil penalties collected under the act are deposited into the Inspection and Consumer Services Cash Fund (which funds the Department of Agriculture).
New Change: The bill redirects these civil penalties to the General Fund, meaning the money will now be available for broader state government use.
Key Takeaways
Extends regulation of commodity handlers and farm products by the Department of Agriculture until 2032.
Increases the small-volume dealer limit to $45,000 and allows for periodic adjustments.
Clarifies that marijuana is NOT classified as a commodity under the act.
Redirects civil penalty funds to the state's General Fund rather than the Department of Agriculture's fund.
Summary
Sunset Process - Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. The bill continues the department of agriculture's (department) oversight of the Commodity Handler and Farm Products Act (act) for 7 years until 2032.
The bill also increases the small-volume dealer limit (limit) from
$20,000 to $45,000. The limit is a limit on the amount of farm products or commodities that a person may buy, in aggregate, per year. The bill permits the commissioner of agriculture to periodically adjust the limit.
The bill explicitly excludes marijuana from the definition of
commodity under the act.
Under current law, civil penalties collected by the department for
violations of the act are deposited into the inspection and consumer services cash fund (fund). The bill requires those civil penalties to be transferred to the general fund rather than the department's fund.
