(2) A producer who disputes the amount of an assessment as provided under subsection (1) of this section may file a challenge to the assessment with the commission not more than 60 days after the close of the assessment period. The challenge must be filed on a form provided by the State Department of Agriculture. The commission shall process a challenge under this section pursuant to rules adopted under subsection (4) of this section.
(3) A producer filing a challenge under this section has the burden of proving the total dollar value received by the producer during the assessment period. If the producer is also licensed as a processor, the producer also has the burden of proving the prices paid to the producer are equivalent to prices paid in arm’s-length transactions. The commission shall refund the amount of the assessment that the producer proves is in excess of the total dollar value received by the producer for the hemp during the assessment period multiplied by the maximum lawful assessment percentage.
(4)(a) The department shall adopt rules to carry out this section. Rules adopted under this paragraph must include, but need not be limited to, procedures for filing, processing and formal or informal resolution of challenges and for determining hemp prices paid in arm’s-length transactions.
(b) The commission shall adopt rules establishing assessment periods and may adopt other rules as necessary and that do not conflict with the rules adopted by the department under this subsection. [2021 c.216 §25]
Note: See note under 571.400.