This legislative bill amends various sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, primarily targeting the Plant Protection and Plant Pest Act and the Nebraska Potato Development Fund. Key changes include the termination of the Nebraska Potato Development Fund on July 1, 2026, with remaining funds being transferred to the Plant Protection and Plant Pest Cash Fund. The bill also increases the registration fee for pesticides from $160 to $200, with a maximum fee cap raised from $210 to $250. Additionally, it introduces a new Noxious Weed Cash Fund, funded by pesticide registration fees, while eliminating the Weed Book Cash Fund.

The bill enhances the powers of the Department of Agriculture, shifting from mandatory actions to a focus on encouraging and promoting agricultural interests. It specifies that inspection time will be calculated based on any portion of a whole hour, including travel time, and establishes new fees for services such as phytosanitary certificates. The bill also mandates the transfer of funds from the Weed Book Cash Fund to the Noxious Weed Cash Fund by January 1, 2027, and repeals several existing sections, including Section 81-201.05. Overall, the bill aims to improve the management of plant health and pest control in Nebraska while streamlining administrative processes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2-958, 2-1091, 2-1091.02, 2-1095, 2-1808, 2-2634, 81-201