The proposed bill aims to amend existing agricultural laws in Arkansas by establishing the "Producer Bill of Rights for Commodity Checkoff Programs Act." This new subchapter will enhance the management and transparency of commodity checkoff programs, which include various boards such as the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board and the Arkansas Beef Council. Key objectives of the bill include ensuring producer control over funds, improving transparency, increasing producer engagement, and enhancing record-keeping practices. The bill mandates that funds collected by these programs be used solely for approved purposes and not for general support of the Department of Agriculture unless explicitly authorized.

Additionally, the bill requires commodity checkoff programs to publish meeting notices, provide open access to meetings, and maintain a producer portal for public comments. It also stipulates that these programs must make records available online, including meeting minutes and financial reports, and provide annual summaries of grant-funded projects. The intent is to foster cooperation among the various commodity checkoff programs to achieve efficiencies and strengthen common interests, ultimately benefiting producers and enhancing accountability within the agricultural sector.