THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3261
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to agriculture.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§141-   Local agriculture transportation cost reimbursement program; rules. (a) There is established within the department of agriculture a local agriculture transportation cost reimbursement program to reimburse eligible agricultural producers for a portion of the producer's costs to transport agricultural commodities.

(b) To be eligible to receive reimbursement payments pursuant to this section, an agricultural producer shall:

(1) Be an owner of livestock or producer of agricultural commodities in the State;

(2) Incur costs for transporting in a covered motor vehicle or through air cargo, parcel, or water cargo carrier services:

(A) Livestock, livestock products, or agricultural commodities to market within the State; or

(B) Supplies for the use of the agricultural producer; and

(3) Provide to the department of agriculture proof that the agricultural producer has annual gross receipts totaling $          or more.

(c) The total amount of reimbursement payments disbursed pursuant to this section shall be in an amount not to exceed $           in any year.

(d) The department may establish rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

(e) For purposes of this section:

"Agricultural commodity" has the same meaning as in section 145-21.

"Covered motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle:

(1) Registered and owned by an owner of livestock or producer of agricultural commodities in the State; and

(2) Used for the transport of livestock, livestock products, agricultural commodities, and supplies within the State."

SECTION 2. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent. This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the department of agriculture to fund and administer the local agriculture transportation cost reimbursement program established pursuant to this Act.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Department of Agriculture; Transportation Costs; Reimbursements; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a Local Agriculture Transportation Cost Reimbursement Program to reimburse eligible ranchers and farmers a portion of their costs to transport livestock, livestock products, agricultural commodities, and certain supplies under certain circumstances. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Makes an appropriation.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.