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HB 1742

ELEC CD-VOTER IDENTIFICATION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Dennis Tipsword

House Bill 1742 enhances seed certification in Arkansas, ensuring quality and purity, imposing penalties for misrepresentation, and protecting consumers and producers.

Referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1742

Summary of House Bill 1742 (Act 527)

Bill Number: HB 1742
Title: To Amend the Law Related to Seed Certification
Status: Enacted as Act 527
Introduced: March 11, 2025
Authors: Representative Wooldridge, Senator D. Wallace

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1742 aims to amend existing laws concerning seed certification in Arkansas. The primary intent is to enhance the integrity of seed certification processes, protect consumers, and ensure that agricultural seeds meet specific standards for quality and purity. This legislation seeks to establish clearer guidelines and penalties related to the certification of seeds, thereby promoting agricultural best practices.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important changes to the Arkansas Code regarding seed certification:

  1. Penalties for Misrepresentation:

    • Establishes penalties for individuals who falsely advertise or mislead others regarding seed certification. Violations can result in fines ranging from $25 to $500.

  2. Revocation of Certificates:

    • Allows the Director of the State Plant Board to revoke seed certification without the need for prosecution if violations are found. Affected individuals can appeal the revocation to the State Plant Board.

  3. Certification Process:

    • Empowers the State Plant Board to investigate and certify the varietal purity and fitness of agricultural seeds. The board will classify seeds into categories such as "Registered" and "Certified" and set standards for certification.

  4. Fees for Certification:

    • Introduces a fee structure to cover the costs of inspection and certification. Fees will be collected in advance and used to support the certification process.

  5. Promotion and Advertising Fees:

    • Establishes fees for promoting and advertising certified seeds, which will be assessed based on acreage or the number of certified tags sold. These funds will support the Arkansas Seed Dealers' Association and the Arkansas Seed Growers Association.

  6. Monitoring Aflatoxin Levels:

    • Mandates monitoring of aflatoxin levels in Arkansas-grown grain and seed to ensure safety and compliance with health standards.

Affected Parties

  • Seed Producers and Growers: Those involved in the production and sale of agricultural seeds will be directly impacted by the new certification requirements and associated fees.
  • Consumers: Farmers and agricultural businesses relying on certified seeds will benefit from increased assurance of seed quality and purity.
  • State Plant Board: The board will have enhanced authority and responsibility in overseeing seed certification processes.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 11, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • March 20, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • April 8, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.
  • April 10, 2025: Enacted as Act 527.

Conclusion

House Bill 1742 represents a significant update to Arkansas's seed certification laws, aiming to improve the quality and reliability of agricultural seeds. By establishing clear penalties for misrepresentation and enhancing the certification process, the bill seeks to protect both consumers and producers in the agricultural sector.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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