The bill amends various sections of the Arkansas Code related to the registration and regulation of fertilizers and fertilizer materials. Key changes include the replacement of references to the "State Plant Board" with the "Department of Agriculture" in several sections, which reflects a shift in the authority responsible for overseeing fertilizer registration and inspection processes. Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for manufacturers and sellers to provide detailed information about their products during the registration process, including brand names and manufacturer details.
Furthermore, the bill modifies the financial aspects of fertilizer tonnage reporting, establishing a new invoicing system for fees associated with tonnage reports and penalties for late submissions. It specifies that penalties for late reports will be enhanced based on the duration of the delay and outlines how these penalties, along with fees collected, will be allocated to support soil testing and research initiatives at the University of Arkansas. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the regulatory framework for fertilizers while ensuring that funds are directed towards agricultural research and support.
Statutes affected: HB 1744: 2-19-202(a), 2-19-202(d), 2-19-203(a), 2-19-206(c), 2-19-207, 2-19-208(a), 2-19-209(a), 2-19-209(b)