2013 House Bill 4546 / Public Act 202

Increase marketing “assessments” imposed on potato growers

Introduced in the House

April 16, 2013

Introduced by Rep. Rick Outman (R-70)

To authorize higher marketing “assessments” imposed on potato growers with more than 20 acres. Specifically, the state "potato commission" could increase these fees from the current maximum of 1.5 cents per hundred weight to as much as 5.5 cents. The bill would also revise details of the political appointees authorized to set these fees.

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture

May 15, 2013

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the amendment be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Nov. 14, 2013

Amendment offered

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Douglas Geiss (D-12)

To make passage of the bill contingent on repealing the state "right to work" law.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Douglas Geiss (D-12)

To allow growers and potato shippers to opt-out of being required to pay into this marketing scheme.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Kevin Daley (R-82)

To only allow a referendum on the assessments if at least 25 percent of the growers sign a petition, eliminating an alternative provision requiring this if at least 200 growers sign a petition.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 73 to 37 (details)

To increase the maximum "assessment" that can be levied on growers under a government potato marketing scheme, with exceptions for smaller growers, and revise the constituents represented on the board of political appointees authorized to determine the level of assessments.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 3, 2013

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture

Dec. 11, 2013

Passed in the Senate 36 to 1 (details)

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 17, 2013