Bill > SB1860

This bill enacts the "Tennessee Agricultural Fair and Livestock Show Act" and the "Tennessee State Fair Act" by amending existing Tennessee law. The "Tennessee Agricultural Fair and Livestock Show Act" establishes a framework for the Department of Agriculture to provide state aid, which are funds appropriated by the general assembly, to support not-for-profit agricultural fairs and livestock shows. These funds can be used to finance premiums, which are cash awards given to winners in various agricultural and livestock competitions, and to offer awards of merit to agricultural fairs that demonstrate excellence in operations, based on criteria like exhibit quality, cleanliness, community participation, and program diversity. The bill also outlines definitions for terms like "agricultural fair," "livestock show," and "premium," and grants the Commissioner of Agriculture authority to disburse funds, enter into agreements, and establish rules for eligibility and reporting. Additionally, the "Tennessee State Fair Act" charges the Department of Agriculture with the administration of an annual state fair, which is intended to promote agriculture and forestry through educational and entertaining displays, and allows the Commissioner to select an "operator" to manage and conduct the fair, enter into necessary contracts, and accept gifts for its advancement. Finally, the bill amends a section of Tennessee Code Annotated to clarify that agricultural fairs, as defined in the new act, are eligible to receive state aid.