2014 Oklahoma Statutes
Title 2. Agriculture
§2-18-273. Oilseed Commission powers and duties.

A. Pursuant to the Oklahoma Oilseed Resources Act, the Oklahoma Oilseed Commission shall have the power and duty to:

1. Elect Commission officers to provide leadership and organization;

2. Call and conduct meetings as necessary in carrying out the provisions of the Oklahoma Oilseed Resources Act;

3. Appoint subcommittees for each oilseed represented such as canola and any other oilseeds to formulate basic objectives and the general policies and programs of the State of Oklahoma respecting the discovery, promotion, and development of markets and industries for the utilization of oilseed;

4. Approve financial matters;

5. Maintain and enforce provisions of the Oklahoma Oilseed Resources Act;

6. Promulgate rules as are necessary to promptly and effectively administer the provisions of the Oklahoma Oilseed Resources Act;

7. Conduct assessment referenda pursuant to the Oklahoma Oilseed Resources Act;

8. Conduct programs consistent with the Oklahoma Oilseed Resources Act;

9. Develop bylaws for the due and orderly administration of the affairs of the Commission and for its responsibilities specified pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Oilseed Resources Act;

10. Advise, consult, and cooperate with agencies of this state and its political subdivisions, other states, the federal government, and with affected groups;

11. Collect and disseminate information relating to oilseed production;

12. Contract with agencies of this state and its political subdivisions, other states, the federal government, and other organizations or persons to comply and fulfill its mission pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Oilseed Resources Act;

13. Hold public hearings for any purposes consistent with the provisions of the Oklahoma Oilseed Resources Act;

14. Identify and coordinate industry-wide programs for oilseed, oilseed resources, oilseed market development, oilseed promotion, and education relating to oilseed;

15. Seek information from oilseed producers and users for purposes of planning and prioritizing expenditures of Commission funds;

16. Protect or represent the best interests of the industry; conduct production, utilization, and policy research that affects the oilseed industry and benefits the profitability of producers; disseminate reliable information; cooperate with agencies of this state and other states and governmental entities to implement joint programs; receive gifts and grants; and implement, or cause to be implemented, programs to increase the commercial value of Oklahoma oilseed; and

17. Take any other actions deemed necessary by the Commission to implement the provisions of the Oklahoma Oilseed Resources Act.

B. In addition, the Commission shall:

1. Make available for inspections during an annual independent audit each fiscal year by a competent accountant or auditor, all books, records of account, and minutes of proceedings maintained by the Commission. The Commission shall provide to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry a copy of the annual audit performed pursuant to this section;

2. Not later than forty-five (45) days after the last day of the fiscal year, submit to the President of the State Board of Agriculture a report itemizing all income and expenditures and describing all activities of the Commission during the fiscal year;

3. Provide surety bonds in amounts determined by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services for any members who handle funds for the Commission; and

4. Receive, hold in trust, and disburse all assessments and other funds collected pursuant to the Oklahoma Oilseed Resources Act as trust funds of the Commission.

C. Any funds received by the Commission pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Oilseed Resources Act shall not be used, directly or indirectly, or as a result of contract or agreement with other persons or organizations, in supporting or opposing political candidates or political office holders, either state or national.

D. 1. Except for instances of gross negligence, individual criminal actions, or acts of dishonesty, the Commission and employees of the Commission are not individually liable to an oilseed producer or other person for actions or omissions taken pursuant to this act that are:

a.errors in judgment, or

b.mistakes.

2. A member of the Commission is not individually liable for an act or omission of another member of the Commission.

Added by Laws 2008, c. 154, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2008. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 17.