The bill aims to eliminate the Organic Commodity Advisory Council and revise the state organic certification program in Montana. Key amendments include changing the language in Section 80-11-601 to establish a state organic certification program administered by the Department of Agriculture, which will now have the authority to adopt necessary rules for implementation. The requirement for the governor to submit a plan to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for approval has been removed, streamlining the process for establishing the certification program. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of seeking input from the Montana Organic Association and other stakeholders regarding the certification program and related matters.

In Section 80-11-602, the bill establishes an account in the state special revenue fund to support the organic certification program. It specifies that this account will include proceeds from gifts, grants, donations, and assessments related to the program. The language has been updated to clarify the sources of funding and ensure that the account is maintained separately from other departmental accounts. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the state organic certification program while removing the advisory council that was previously required for its administration.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 80-11-601
HB0269_1(1): 80-11-601
HB0269_1(2): 80-11-601
HB0269_1(3): 80-11-601
HB0269_1(4): 80-11-601
HB0269_1(5): 80-11-601
HB0269_1(6): 80-11-601
HB0269_1(7): 80-11-601
HB0269_1: 80-11-601
HB0269_2(1): 80-11-601, 80-11-602
HB0269_2(10): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(11): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(12): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(13): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(14): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(2): 80-11-601, 80-11-602
HB0269_2(3): 80-11-601, 80-11-602
HB0269_2(4): 80-11-601, 80-11-602
HB0269_2(5): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(6): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(7): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(8): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(9): 80-11-601
HB0269_2: 80-11-601, 80-11-602
HB0269_X(1): 80-11-601, 80-11-602
HB0269_X(2): 80-11-601, 80-11-602
HB0269_X: 80-11-601, 80-11-602