Based on recent Joint Legislative Budget Committee analysis of these costs, the administrative costs for this Council are expected to be minimal. Establishes the Apple Research and Protection Council consisting of five apple producers appointed by the Governor. Producers must be actively producing apples from at least ten acres. Members serve three year terms and can serve two consecutive terms. Prescribes circumstances creating a vacancy.
Members receive no salary but are eligible for reimbursement for expenses.
Staggers the terms of the initial Council. Authorizes the Council to ensure the abatement of apple crop nuisances, provide other apple pest eradication programs and services and provide research and promotional support for the state apple industry. Requires the Council to elect a chairman, provide for an annual audit, make records of Council proceedings public and prepare an annual report, among other things. Allows the Council to employee staff, including state employees who are allowed to continue participation in state-sponsored retirement, life insurance and health care programs and receive the same contribution rates from the Council as they did from the state. Provides that Council employees are exempt from certain state employee programs and requirements, and are not under the jurisdiction of the Department of Administration.