HB96 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim Patterson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Cotton producers, assessments to promote cotton, referendum without refund provisions authorized, Sec. 2-8-193 am'd.

Summary

HB96 would let cotton producer assessments be approved by referendums that have no refund option, but it only takes effect if Alabama amends the constitution to remove refunds.

What This Bill Does

It would amend Section 2-8-193 to allow referendums on levying cotton producer assessments without any provision for refunds. It would repeal Section 2-8-203, removing the current refund provisions for cotton producers. The act would take effect only after a constitutional amendment deleting the refund requirement is adopted. It preserves the existing framework for the commissions of nonprofit cotton producer associations to promote cotton, now funded by nonrefundable assessments once the amendment is in place.

Who It Affects

• Cotton producers in Alabama, who would be subject to assessments used for promoting cotton, with no option for refunds once the constitutional amendment is adopted.
• Nonprofit associations of cotton producers that form the commission and administer the promotional program, including conducting referendums and collecting the nonrefundable assessments.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 2-8-193 to authorize referendums on levying an assessment without any provision for refunds.
• Repeals Section 2-8-203, removing the refund of assessments provision.
• Provides that the act is effective only upon adoption of a constitutional amendment deleting refund provisions for cotton assessments.
• Maintains the commission structure (six districts, up to eleven members, all producers) responsible for implementing the promotional program.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Agriculture and Industries Department