§ 2-10-104 - Powers and duties of the Arkansas Milk Stabilization Board.
2-10-104. Powers and duties of the Arkansas Milk Stabilization Board.
(a) The Arkansas Milk Stabilization Board shall:
(1) Administer this subchapter;
(2) Research other states to determine how those states support their dairy farmers;
(3) Investigate methods of milk production, dairy pricing, and support of the dairy industry;
(4) Create a plan to assist Arkansas dairy farmers that would be equitable to all parties in the state dairy industry and withstand legal challenges;
(5) By December 31, 2007, provide a copy of the proposed plan determined in subdivision (a)(4) of this section to the Secretary of the Arkansas Agriculture Department and any other person or entity requesting a copy of the proposed plan;
(6) Provide a forty-five-day period for public comment on the proposed plan provided in subdivision (a)(5) of this section;
(7) (A) Create the final plan for submission to the Legislative Council following the public comment period; and
(8) Promulgate rules the board considers necessary or desirable to implement the final plan determined in subdivision (a)(7) of this section.
(b) The board shall submit its final plan as determined under subdivision (a)(7) and rules as determined under subdivision (a)(8) to the Legislative Council for review no later than March 1, 2008.
(c) (1) Once reviewed by the Legislative Council, the Arkansas Agriculture Department shall implement the plan.
(2) The board shall monitor progress and success of the plan.
(d) The board shall have jurisdiction over milk and milk products marketed in the State of Arkansas.