This bill amends various sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, specifically targeting the Nebraska Poultry and Egg Development, Utilization, and Marketing Fund, and renaming the Nebraska Commercial Fertilizer and Soil Conditioner Act to the Nebraska Commercial Fertilizer and Beneficial Substances Act. Key provisions include the transfer of funds from the Nebraska Poultry and Egg Development Fund to the Nebraska Agricultural Products Marketing Cash Fund by December 31, 2026, and the termination of the fund on January 1, 2027. The bill also eliminates references to soil conditioners and certain agricultural associations, while introducing definitions and provisions for beneficial substances, which are scientifically proven to benefit soil or plants.

Additionally, the bill outlines new requirements for product registration, labeling, and fees for commercial fertilizers and beneficial substances, including an increase in the annual license fee for out-of-state manufacturers from fifteen to twenty-five dollars. It establishes the Fertilizers and Beneficial Substances Administrative Fund to cover administrative costs and asserts that the Nebraska Commercial Fertilizer and Beneficial Substances Act will take precedence over local regulations regarding the registration and sale of these products. The bill enhances regulatory oversight, clarifies definitions of misbranded and adulterated products, and grants the director authority to enforce compliance, including the ability to inspect facilities and issue stop-sale orders.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2-3413, 2-4323, 2-4324