Relating to the powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, including by providing for administration, programs, and regulations, providing fees, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable

GENERAL. This bill amends, enacts, or repeals a number of provisions administered or regulated by the department of agriculture and land stewardship (DALS) as codified in Title V of the Code, including in subtitle 1, which includes a number of general provisions, subtitle 2, which includes provisions regulating animal industry, and subtitle 4, which provides for agricultural commodities and products in addition to related activities. SUBTITLE —— ADMINISTRATION.5). SUBTITLE —— COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS. The bill eliminates a requirement that an application form for the issuance or renewal of an authorization to operate a commercial establishment include the applicant’s identification number, which may be a tax identification number. ANIMAL DISEASE CONTROL.3C). The bill authorizes DALS to collect, maintain, and use information related to the registration and identification of any premises where animals are kept.7). SUBTITLE —— FARM-TO-SCHOOL PROGRAM. The bill amends provisions creating a farm-to-school program administered by DALS under Code chapter 190A. The program assists schools and school districts in purchasing food products derived from food commodities produced on a farm and either processed on the farm or processed at a business premises (referred to as a farm source) located within miles of the school or school district’s borders. A food product is a perishable or nonperishable product derived from processing a food commodity including pasteurized milk or dairy products, washed shelled eggs, cut and washed produce, honey, maple syrup, unshelled or shelled nuts, cuts of meat or poultry, or cuts of fish or shelled aquatic items. DALS may reimburse a school or school district for expenditures for such products to the extent moneys are available to support the program. The available moneys would be allocated during the school year on a matching basis, subject to a $1,000 cap. The bill also creates a farm-to-school fund to support the program. FERTILIZERS AND SOIL CONDITIONERS.14). Current law allows DALS to adopt such rules regulating anhydrous ammonia equipment. The bill also eliminates a requirement that such rules be in conformity with the published standards of the agricultural ammonia institute.18). WEIGHTS AND MEASURES (GENERAL). The bill amends a number of provisions regulating weights and measures, including the inspection of associated devices.3).4).6). WEIGHTS AND MEASURES (MOTOR FUEL).2A).15). WEIGHTS AND MEASURES (INSPECTIONS).4).7).23). The bill provides for a two-year rather than annual servicer license and allows DALS to establish the license fee. The annual license fee is currently $5.3).8).7). CRIMINAL PENALTIES. A simple misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than days or a fine of at least $105 but not more than $855 or by both.