Bill > H3279

This bill establishes the South Carolina Equine Promotion Act to support the state's equine industry, which contributes significantly to the state's economy. The bill creates an Equine Promotion Board composed of nine members appointed by various state organizations and committees, including representatives from the South Carolina Agriculture Department, Farm Bureau, Horsemen's Council, and legislative committees. The board will be responsible for promoting the equine industry, which includes horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, and hinnies. A key provision of the bill is the imposition of a two-dollar per ton assessment on all commercial feed and custom blends labeled for equine use, with these funds to be collected quarterly and deposited into a dedicated Equine Promotion Fund. The fund will be used exclusively for research, education, and promotion of the equine industry, with up to 15% of net assessments available to cover administrative costs. The bill ensures transparency by requiring an annual audit of the fund by the State Auditor to verify proper collection and expenditure of the assessments. Board members will serve staggered initial terms of two to four years, with subsequent terms lasting four years, and while they will not receive compensation, they will be reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3279&session=126&summary=B