Bill

Bill > HB269


MT HB269

Eliminate the organic commodity advisory council


summary

Introduced
01/21/2025
In Committee
02/17/2025
Crossed Over
02/11/2025
Passed
05/01/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/05/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT ELIMINATING THE ORGANIC COMMODITY ADVISORY COUNCIL; REVISING THE STATE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION PROGRAM; PROVIDING RULEMAKING AUTHORITY; AMING SECTIONS 80-11-601 AND 80-11-602, MCA; AND PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.”

AI Summary

This bill eliminates the Organic Commodity Advisory Council and revises the state organic certification program in Montana. The legislation modifies existing law by removing the requirement for a petition-driven process to establish the organic certification program and instead establishes it directly as a program administered by the Department of Agriculture. The department is now authorized to adopt rules for implementing the program consistent with federal and international organic regulations and trade laws. Instead of maintaining a specific advisory council, the department is now required to seek input from the Montana Organic Association, producers, handlers, processors, and community members on a regular basis regarding certification program needs, research, markets, and other organic-related matters. The bill also clarifies that the state organic certification program cannot prohibit or interfere with other certification programs (public, private, foreign, or domestic) from certifying and collecting fees from organic producers and handlers in Montana. Additionally, the bill maintains an existing special revenue account for funding the organic certification program, which can receive gifts, grants, donations, assessments, and penalties related to the program.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Chapter Number Assigned (on 05/05/2025)

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