Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB48

Introduced
3/29/10  
Refer
3/29/10  
Report Pass
4/15/10  
Engrossed
4/27/10  
Report Pass
5/11/10  
Enrolled
5/18/10  
Chaptered
5/26/10  

Caption

Provides with respect to the assessment on grain

Impact

If enacted, HB48 would significantly impact the funding mechanisms for research and advertising aimed at promoting Louisiana's grain industries. The bill also establishes procedures for suspending and reinstating state assessments in response to national assessments under existing federal regulations. This could lead to greater financial stability and support for local producers, provided they engage in the voting process established in the bill, which empowers them to approve or reject the imposition of such assessments.

Summary

House Bill 48 is designed to amend Louisiana state law concerning the assessment on grain crops, such as wheat, corn, and grain sorghum. The bill imposes an assessment rate of one-half cent per bushel on these grains, contingent on approval through a referendum among the producers. This system of assessment supports funding for research and promotional activities beneficial to the agricultural sectors involved, specifically targeting the enhancement of the soybean, wheat, corn, and grain sorghum industries within the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB48 appears generally supportive among agricultural producers who recognize the need for funding to promote their crops. However, the requirement for approval through referenda could lead to contention as not all producers may agree on the necessity or price of the assessment. There could also be varying opinions on how effectively the funds are utilized for research and promotion, which could serve as a point of debate among stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the oversight and distribution of the funds collected from the assessments. Producers might express concerns about the transparency in how their contributions are utilized and whether they yield tangible results for the industry's growth. Likewise, the reliance on a referendum for initial approval and subsequent renewals introduces uncertainty, as producers may resist additional tax-like assessments, fearing they may not directly benefit from them.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB878

Provides relative to the Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board

LA HB1216

Makes technical corrections in various provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statutes

LA HB1467

Makes technical corrections to various codal provisions and provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statutes

LA HB886

Provides relative to assessments levied by the Louisiana Rice Research Board

LA HB1045

Provides relative to assessments levied by the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board

LA HB1056

Provides relative to assessments levied by the Louisiana Crawfish Promotion and Research Board

LA HB1840

Relating to the creation and functions of the Texas Grain Producer Indemnity Board.

LA HB327

Provides relative to the assessment levied on soybeans grown in the state

LA HB923

Provides with respect to the La. Massage Therapists and Massage Establishment Act

LA SB148

Provides relative to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry and provides for technical changes. (gov sig)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.