HB1743

House Bill 1743 amends the Arkansas Feed Law of 1997 to modernize administrative processes and clarify the regulatory authority of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The bill transfers the primary enforcement responsibility from the 'State Plant Board' to the broader 'Department of Agriculture.' It updates definitions, streamlines licensing and registration procedures, and modifies fee structures for commercial feed distribution. The bill also establishes specific late fees for non-compliance with licensing requirements and adjusts tonnage-based reporting requirements. Additionally, it clarifies the inspection and sampling powers of the Department, including the procedures for dealing with non-compliant or adulterated commercial feed. The legislation aims to improve the efficiency of state oversight regarding the quality and safety of commercial animal feeds distributed within Arkansas.