Mississippi Senate Bill SB2157

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Agriculture; grant the Commission of Agriculture and Commerce investigative powers and amend related procedures.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to modernize how the Mississippi Department of Agriculture handles compliance and enforcement within the agriculture industry. By providing the Commissioner with expanded powers to issue subpoenas and conduct searches, the department can respond more effectively to regulatory violations, ensuring better enforcement of laws concerning grain dealers and livestock theft. These changes could significantly impact grain producers, potentially leading to quicker resolutions of disputes and more efficient regulatory oversight.

Summary

Senate Bill 2157 aims to enhance the administrative and investigative powers of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Key provisions include authorizing the Commissioner of Agriculture to issue administrative subpoenas for department proceedings, as well as the ability to administer oaths, examine witnesses, and collect evidence in various agricultural matters. The bill establishes a legal framework for carrying out inspections and searches of facilities under the department's jurisdiction, thereby streamlining regulatory processes in Mississippi's agribusiness sector.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB2157 include concerns about the potential overreach of governmental authority and the implications for privacy and compliance among agricultural entities. Critics may argue that broad powers granted under the bill could lead to excessive oversight and might deter smaller agricultural businesses from operating if they fear invasive inspections. Additionally, the repeal of former provisions under the Mississippi Agribusiness Council Act of 1993 raises questions regarding the continuity of support and resources for agribusiness stakeholders in Mississippi.