This bill amends several sections of South Dakota law to streamline the process for agricultural producers to request refunds on assessments related to their crops. Specifically, it modifies sections 38-10-34, 38-27-16, 38-32-20, and 38-34-18 to allow growers to apply for refunds within sixty days of the assessment, while also ensuring that the relevant councils make refund applications available online and facilitate electronic submission of all required documentation. Additionally, the bill introduces new sections that mandate the wheat commission and the respective councils to develop and implement an alternative refund process, enabling growers to file a single electronic request for automatic refunds of all assessments paid during the calendar year before December 31st.

The bill also clarifies that if a grower has paid an assessment more than once on the same crop, they are entitled to a refund of the overpayment. This legislative change aims to simplify the refund process for agricultural producers, making it more efficient and accessible through electronic means, while ensuring that the necessary documentation can be submitted online.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/30/2025: 38-10-20, 38-10-22, 38-10-24, 38-10-28, 38-10-33, 38-10-34, 38-27-8.1, 38-27-11, 38-27-12, 38-27-16, 38-27-17, 38-29-1, 38-29-7.1, 38-29-9, 38-32-1, 38-32-14, 38-32-16, 38-32-20, 38-34-1, 38-34-8, 38-34-10, 38-34-11, 38-34-14, 38-34-18, 38-34-19
House Agriculture and Natural Resources Engrossed, 02/11/2025: 38-10-20, 38-10-22, 38-10-24, 38-10-28, 38-10-33, 38-10-34, 38-27-8.1, 38-27-11, 38-27-12, 38-27-16, 38-27-17, 38-29-1, 38-29-7.1, 38-29-9, 38-32-1, 38-32-14, 38-32-16, 38-32-20, 38-34-1, 38-34-8, 38-34-10, 38-34-11, 38-34-14, 38-34-18, 38-34-19
House Engrossed, 02/19/2025: 38-10-34, 38-27-16, 38-32-20, 38-34-18