A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact subsection 2 of section 4.1-09-18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the penalty for failure to submit assessments to the oilseed council; and to provide a penalty.
HB1136 proposes an amendment to subsection 2 of section 4.1-09-18 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the penalties imposed on first purchasers who fail to submit required assessments to the oilseed council. The bill establishes a penalty framework where the council can impose a penalty of either five hundred dollars or ten percent of the amount due, whichever is greater, along with interest accruing at a rate of six percent per annum from the due date.
If enacted, HB1136 would modify the existing penalty structure for non-compliance with assessment submissions to the oilseed council. This change aims to enhance compliance among first purchasers by increasing the financial consequences of failing to submit assessments, thereby potentially increasing revenue for the oilseed council and ensuring better funding for related agricultural initiatives.
The general sentiment surrounding HB1136 appears to be mixed, as it ultimately failed to pass in the legislative assembly. While some stakeholders may have supported the increased penalties as a means to enforce compliance, others may have viewed it as an additional financial burden on first purchasers, contributing to its failure.
Notable points of contention include the appropriateness of the penalty amounts and the potential impact on first purchasers in the oilseed industry. Some representatives may have argued that the penalties are too harsh and could discourage participation in the oilseed market, while others may have emphasized the necessity of strict penalties to ensure compliance and protect the interests of the oilseed council.