The bill amends section 917.031 and enacts section 926.181 of the Revised Code to revise milk inspection fees and establish requirements for large agricultural commodity handlers. The milk sanitation board is granted the authority to prescribe inspection fees for milk processors, producers, and haulers, contingent upon the general revenue fund's appropriation for inspection purposes being less than the estimated costs of administering the chapter. The board's fees must not exceed the estimated costs and can be modified as necessary. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for large agricultural commodity handlers to execute a surety bond to protect against potential failures, with the bond amount determined by the director of agriculture based on the handler's capacity.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a grant program for dairy processing plants, allowing owners or operators to apply for funding to improve processing efficiencies, expand facilities, or obtain food safety certifications. The director of development will review applications based on specific criteria, and grants will be capped at $250,000. The bill also includes appropriations for various agricultural programs, including dairy processing grants and support for local fairs, with a total budget allocation of over $43 million for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 917.031