CHAPTER 4.1-08 HONEY ASSESSMENTS 4.1-08-01. Definitions

As used in this chapter: 1

"Beekeeper" means any person owning or controlling a colony of bees for the production of honey, beeswax, or byproducts

"Commissioner" means the agriculture commissioner

2

4.1-08-02. Assessment

An annual assessment in the amount of ten cents is imposed on each colony of honeybees licensed by the beekeeper. The minimum annual assessment is one dollar

4.1-08-03. Submission of assessments - Civil penalty

1

Each beekeeper shall submit the assessment required by section 4.1-08-02 to the commissioner at the same time the beekeeper submits the license application required by section 4.1-16-02

If a beekeeper fails to submit the assessment as required by this section, the commissioner may impose a penalty equal to five percent of the amount due, plus interest at the rate of six percent per annum from the due date

2

4.1-08-04. Refunds

1

To receive a refund of any assessment paid in accordance with this chapter, a beekeeper shall obtain an application form from the commissioner within sixty days from the date the commissioner received the assessment required by section 4.1-08-02

The beekeeper shall return the completed form to the commissioner within ninety days from the date the commissioner received the assessment required by section 4.1-08-02

A beekeeper is not entitled to a refund under this section unless the refundable amount meets or exceeds five dollars

2

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4.1-08-05. Continuing appropriation

The commissioner shall forward all moneys received under this chapter to the state treasurer for deposit in a special fund known as the honey fund. All moneys in the honey fund are appropriated on a continuing basis to the commissioner to carry out this chapter

4.1-08-06. Assessment - Authorized expenditures

The assessment required by this chapter may be used to fund research, including efforts that focus on honeybee colony health; education programs; and market development efforts, as well as promotional efforts such as the North Dakota honey queen program

4.1-08-07. Commissioner - Powers

The commissioner may: 1

Expend moneys appropriated under this chapter for the purposes set forth in section 4.1-08-06, provided the commissioner first consults with the board of directors of the North Dakota beekeepers' association; and 2. Do all things necessary and proper to enforce and administer this chapter

4.1-08-08. Biennial report - Information regarding honey assessments

When compiling the biennial report required by section 54-06-04, the commissioner shall provide information regarding activities under this chapter, including the amount of assessments collected and the manner in which the moneys were expended

Page No. 1 4.1-08-09. Penalty

Any person willfully violating this chapter is guilty of a class B misdemeanor

Page No. 2