SB256 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Clay ScofieldTom Whatley

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

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

Summary

SB256 would let cotton producer associations run a statewide referendum to fund cotton promotion with no refunds, and it would take effect only if a constitutional amendment removing refund requirements is adopted.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes commissions formed by nonprofit cotton producer associations to seek certification to conduct a referendum on levying a promotional assessment. It sets up a six-district, producer-led commission (up to 11 members; six elected from districts; all members must be Alabama cotton producers) to run the promotional program. It allows a referendum to approve an assessment without refunds, and if approved, the new assessment would replace any existing one. It repeals the current refund provision and makes the act effective only after the constitutional amendment deleting refund requirements is adopted.

Who It Affects

• Alabama cotton producers — could be required to pay a new promotional assessment if the referendum passes and would be represented on the commission.
• Nonprofit associations of cotton producers (with oversight by the State Board of Agriculture and Industries) — would form, appoint, and certify the commission to run the referendum and promotional program.

Key Provisions

• Allows cotton producer nonprofit associations to apply for certification to conduct a referendum on levying a promotional assessment.
• Creates a six-district commission (up to 11 members, of which six are district-elected producers; all members are Alabama cotton producers) to implement the promotional program.
• Allows a referendum to levy the assessment without refunds; if approved, the new assessment supersedes prior assessments.
• Repeals Section 2-8-203 (refund provisions) and makes the act effective only upon adoption of a constitutional amendment deleting refund requirements.

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