| SB 0508 | Establishes mandatory non-binding arbitration for resolution of disputes involving sales and performance of seed |
| Sponsor: | Johnson | |||
| LR Number: | S2125.01I | Fiscal Note: | 2125-01 | |
| Committee: | Agriculture, Conservation, Parks & Tourism | |||
| Last Action: | 04/14/99 - Hearing Conducted S Agriculture, Conservation, Parks | Journal page: | ||
| & Tourism Committee | ||||
| Title: | ||||
| Effective Date: | August 28, 1999 | |||
SB 508 - This act establishes the mandatory non-binding arbitration council and procedures to settle disputes involving seed sales and performance. The council will be chosen by and established by the Department of Agriculture. The council is comprised of three members and their alternates chosen by the Director of the Department of Agriculture with one member and alternate from each of the following three categories: (1) the seed industry;(2) a farmer-producer; and (3) the university or state government.
The council is authorized to contract with the Department of Agriculture to provide the service of settling disputes as well as outside entities or other agencies for the investigation of sworn complaints. The cost of filing a sworn complaint is $250. All costs incurred for investigation as well as the filing fee shall be the responsibility of the loser of the dispute.
This act also creates the "Arbitration Council Fund" to receive all money credited to the arbitration council as a result of filing fees and money from the loser of the dispute to cover the cost of the investigation.
Appeal of the decision of the council would be made in
circuit court. Information generated in the investigative
process of the council may be used in any legal proceeding.
ELIZABETH BAX