SCS/HB 1876 - This act revises the collection procedures for the Commodity Merchandising Program in an attempt to remove the self-imposed assessments from state funds.

The various Commodity Councils would be authorized to directly collect fees assessed to producers and processors, or to contract with the Department of Agriculture to accomplish this task. Should the Department manage administration of the program, all moneys would be transferred to the Director of Revenue pursuant to Article IV, Section 15 for deposit and disbursement to the Councils. Any fees received by the Department for administration would be deemed state funds and placed in the State Treasury. This procedure mirrors the treatment of the admission fees collected by the riverboat casinos, which are forwarded to the Gaming Commission.
DENISE GARNIER