SALE OF FARM PRODUCTS COMMISSION ACT - H.B. 4513: FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 4513 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Wayne Kuipers
House Committee: Agriculture and Resource Management
Senate Committee: Farming, Agribusiness and Food Systems
CONTENT
The bill would repeal Public Act 184 of 1913, which regulates the selling of farm produce on commission. Under the Act, individuals, firms, associations, and corporations who wish to sell, receive, or offer produce on commission ("commission merchants") must apply for a license from the State Dairy and Food Commissioner. Retailers, real estate dealers, and auctioneers are exempt from the Act.
The Act establishes procedures for investigating applicants, specifies grounds for refusing applications and revoking licenses, and provides for an applicant's or licensee's right to a judicial review in the event of refusal or revocation of a license. License holders who impose false charges, intend to defraud or deceive, and/or fix prices are guilty of misdemeanors.
MCL 445.331-445.341 - Legislative Analyst: C. Layman
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would decrease State revenues by eliminating the licensing requirement for commission merchants. Licensing fees collected in fiscal year 1999-2000 totaled only $210. In addition, there could be administrative savings to the Department of Agriculture associated with the work involved in processing, issuing, and tracking such licenses. These savings would be minimal due to the small number of licenses issued each year.
Date Completed: 9-28-01 - Fiscal Analyst: C. Thiel
floor\hb4513 - Analysis available @ http://www.michiganlegislature.org
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.