reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.14 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.14 - Administration.

 106-277.14. Administration.The duty of enforcing this Article and its rules and regulations and carrying out its provisions and requirements shall be vested in the Commissioner of Agriculture. (1963, c. 1182.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.15 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.15 - Rules, regulations and standards.

 106-277.15. Rules, regulations and standards.The Board of Agriculture, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, may adopt such rules, regulations and standards which they may find to be advisable or necessary to carry out and enforce the purposes and provisions of this Article, which shall have the force and effect of law. The Board of Agriculture shall adopt rules, regulations and standards as follows:(1) Prescribing the methods of sampling, inspecting, analyzing, testing and examining agricultural and vegetable seed, and determining the tolerance to be followed in the administration of this Article.(2) Declaring a list of prohibited and restricted noxious weeds, conforming with the definitions stated in this Article, and to add to or subtract therefrom, from time to time, after a public hearing following due public notice.(3) Declaring the maximum percentage of total weed seed content permitted in agricultural seed.(4) Declaring the maximum number of "restricted" noxious-weed seeds per pound of agricultural seed permitted to be sold, offered or exposed for sale.(5) Declaring the minimum percentage of germination permitted for sale as "Agricultural Seeds."(6) Declaring germination standards for vegetable seeds.(7) Prescribing the form and use of tags or stamps to be used in labeling seed.(8) Prescribing such other rules and regulations as may be necessary to secure the efficient enforcement of this Article.(9) Establishing fees and charges for agricultural and vegetable seed testing and analysis.(10) Prescribing minimum hybrid percentage for labeling for each species hybridized.(11) Prescribing labeling and coloring requirements for treated seed.(12) Establishing a Tobacco Seed Committee which shall approve flue-cured tobacco varieties prior to registration with the Department.(13) Prescribing labeling requirements for agricultural and vegetable seed. (1941, c. 114, s. 6; 1943, c. 203, s. 4; 1945, c. 828; 1949, c. 725; 1953, c. 856, s. 5; 1957, c. 263, s. 3; 1963, c. 1182; 1981, c. 495, s. 6; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1034, s. 10; 1995, c. 47, s. 4.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.16 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.16 - Seed-testing facilities.

 106-277.16. Seed-testing facilities.The Commissioner is authorized to establish and maintain or make provision for seed-testing facilities, to employ educationally qualified persons, to make or provide for making purity and germination tests of seeds, upon request, for farmers or seedsmen, and to prescribe rules and regulations governing such testing, and to incur such expenses as may be necessary to comply with these provisions. (1941, c. 114, s. 6; 1943, c. 203, s. 4; 1945, c. 828; 1949, c. 725; 1953, c. 856, s. 5; 1957, c. 263, s. 3; 1963, c. 1182.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.17 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.17 - Registration and variety testing.

 106-277.17. Registration and variety testing.The Commissioner is authorized to require the registration, after field testing for performance and trueness-to-variety, of any variety, blend, or hybrid as a prerequisite to sale in this State and to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to same. The Commissioner is further authorized to prohibit the sale of any variety, blend, or hybrid or any kind of crop, by and with the advice of the Director of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, that has been found by official field tests to be inferior, misrepresented or unsuited to conditions within the State. (1941, c. 114, s. 6; 1943, c. 203, s. 4; 1945, c. 828; 1949, c. 725; 1953, c. 856, s. 5; 1957, c. 263, s. 3; 1963, c. 1182; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1034, ss. 11, 12; 1989, c. 770, s. 24.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.18 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.18 - Registration and licensing of dealers.

 106-277.18. Registration and licensing of dealers.It shall be the duty of the Commissioner and he is hereby authorized to require each seed dealer selling, offering or exposing for sale in, or exporting from, this State any agricultural or vegetable seeds for seeding purposes, including packet or package seeds, to register with the Commissioner and to obtain a license annually. (1941, c. 114, s. 7; 1945, c. 828; 1947, c. 928; 1949, c. 725; 1963, c. 1182.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.19 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.19 - Revocation, suspension, or refusal of license for cause; hearing; appeal.

 106-277.19. Revocation, suspension, or refusal of license for cause; hearing; appeal.In accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, the Commissioner is authorized to suspend any seed license issued for a period not to exceed three years, revoke any seed license issued, or to refuse to issue a seed license to any person upon satisfactory proof that said person has repeatedly violated any of the provisions of this Article or any of the rules adopted thereunder.  (1941, c. 114, s. 6; 1943, c. 203, s. 4; 1945, c. 828; 1949, c. 725; 1953, c. 856, s. 5; 1957, c. 263, s. 3; 1963, c. 1182; 2013-345, s. 1(a).)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.20 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.20 - Right of entry for purposes of inspection; duty of vendors.

 106-277.20. Right of entry for purposes of inspection; duty of vendors.For the purpose of carrying out this Article the Commissioner or his agent is authorized to enter upon any public or private premises during regular business hours in order to have access to seeds subject to his Article and the rules and regulations thereunder. It shall be the duty of the dealer or vendor to arrange seed lots so as to be accessible for inspection, and to provide such information and records as may be deemed necessary. (1941, c. 114, s. 6; 1943, c. 203, s. 4; 1945, c. 828; 1949, c. 725; 1953, c. 856, s. 5; 1957, c. 263, s. 3; 1963, c. 1182.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.21 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.21 - Sampling, inspecting and testing; notice of violations.

 106-277.21. Sampling, inspecting and testing; notice of violations.It shall be the duty of the Commissioner, who may act through his authorized agents, to sample, inspect, make analysis of and test agricultural and vegetable seeds transported, held in storage, sold, offered or exposed for sale within this State for sowing purposes at such time and place and to such extent as he may deem necessary to determine whether said seeds are in compliance with the provisions of this Article, and to notify promptly the person or persons who transported, had in his possession, sold, offered or exposed the seeds for sale of any violation. (1941, c. 114, s. 6; 1943, c. 203, s. 4; 1945, c. 828; 1949, c. 725; 1953, c. 856, s. 5; 1957, c. 263, s. 3; 1963, c. 1182.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.22 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.22 - Stop-sale orders; penalty covering expenses; appeal.

 106-277.22. Stop-sale orders; penalty covering expenses; appeal.The Commissioner is authorized to issue and enforce a written or printed "stop-sale" order to the owner or custodian of any lot of agricultural or vegetable seeds which the Commissioner, or his authorized agent, finds is in violation of any of the provisions of this Article or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, which order shall prohibit further sale or movement of such seed until such officer has evidence that the law has been complied with and a written release has been issued to the owner or custodian of said seed by the enforcement officer. Any person violating the labeling requirements of the law shall be subject to a penalty covering all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the withdrawal from sale and the release of said seed. With respect to seeds which have been denied sale as provided in this section, the owner, custodian or the person labeling such seeds shall have the right to appeal from such order to the superior court of the county in which the seeds are found, praying for judgment as to the justification of said order and for discharge of such seed from the order prohibiting the same in accordance with the findings of the court; and provided, further, that the provisions of this section shall not be construed as limiting the right of the enforcement officer to proceed as authorized by other sections of this Article. (1941, c. 114, s. 6; 1943, c. 203, s. 4; 1945, c. 828; 1949, c. 725; 1953, c. 856, s. 5; 1957, c. 263, s. 3; 1963, c. 1182.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.23 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.23 - Notice of violations; hearings, prosecutions or warnings.

 106-277.23. Notice of violations; hearings, prosecutions or warnings.It shall be the duty of the Commissioner to give notice of every violation of the provisions of this Article with respect to agricultural or vegetable seeds, or mixtures of such seeds, to the person in whose hands such seeds are found, and to send copies of such notice to the shipper of such seed and to the person whose "analysis tag or label" is attached to the container of such seeds, in which notice the Commissioner may designate a time and place for a hearing. The person or persons involved shall have the right to introduce evidence either in person or by agent or attorney. If, after hearing, or without such hearing in the event the person fails or refuses to appear, the Commissioner is of the opinion that the evidence warrants prosecution he may institute proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction in the locality which the violation occurred or, if he believes the public interest will be adequately served thereby, he may direct to the alleged violator a suitable written notice or warning.  (1941, c. 114, s. 8; 1945, c. 828; 1949, c. 725; 1963, c. 1182; 2009-455, s. 9.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.24 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.24 - Penalty for violations.

 106-277.24. Penalty for violations.Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this Article or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall pay a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000). This fine shall not apply, however, to a retailer with respect to any transaction where the seed sold by the retailer was acquired by the retailer in a sealed container or package, or the retailer did not have reasonable knowledge that the seed sold was in violation of this Article. In determining the amount of the fine, the court shall consider the retail value of the seed sold in violation of the law, and in cases involving the unlawful sale of seed protected under the federal Plant Variety Protection Act, the court shall order the payment of restitution to any injured party for any losses incurred as a result of the unlawful sale.  (1941, c. 114, s. 8; 1945, c. 828; 1949, c. 725; 1963, c. 1182; 1993, c. 539, s. 758; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2013-345, s. 1(b).)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.25 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.25 - Seizure and disposition of seeds violating Article.

 106-277.25. Seizure and disposition of seeds violating Article.Any lot of agricultural or vegetable seeds, mixtures of such seeds being sold, exposed for sale, offered for sale or held with intent to sell in this State contrary to the provisions of this Article shall be subject to seizure on complaint of the Commissioner to the resident judge of the superior court in the county in which the seeds or mixtures of such seeds are located. In the event the court finds the seeds to be in violation of the provisions of this Article and orders the condemnation thereof, such seeds shall be denatured, processed, destroyed, relabeled, or otherwise disposed of in compliance with the laws of this State; provided that in no instance shall such disposition be ordered by the court without first having given the claimant an opportunity to apply to the court for the release of the seeds, with permission to process or relabel to bring them into compliance with the provisions of this Article.  (1945, c. 828; 1949, c. 725; 1963, c. 1182; 2009-455, s. 10.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.26 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.26 - Publication of test results and other information.

 106-277.26. Publication of test results and other information.The Commissioner is authorized to publish the results of analyses, tests, examinations, studies and investigations made as authorized by this Article, together with any other information he may deem advisable. (1941, c. 114, s. 6; 1943, c. 203, s. 4; 1945, c. 828; 1949, c. 725; 1953, c. 856, s. 5; 1957, c. 263, s. 3; 1963, c. 1182.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.27 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.27 - Cooperation with United States Department of Agriculture.

 106-277.27. Cooperation with United States Department of Agriculture.The Commissioner is authorized to cooperate with the United States Department of Agriculture in seed law enforcement and testing seed for trueness as to kind and variety. (1941, c. 114, s. 6; 1943, c. 203, s. 4; 1945, c. 828; 1949, c. 725; 1953, c. 856, s. 5; 1957, c. 263, s. 3; 1963, c. 1182.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.28 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.28 - License and inspection fees.

 106-277.28. License and inspection fees.For the purpose of providing a fund to defray the expense of inspection, examination, and analysis of seeds and the enforcement of this Article:(1) Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 588, s. 1.(2) Each seed dealer who offers for sale any agricultural, vegetable, or lawn or turf seeds for seeding purposes shall register with the Commissioner and shall obtain an annual license, for each location where activities are conducted, by January 1 of each year and shall pay the following license fee:a. Wholesale or combined wholesale and retailseed dealer............................................................................. $125.00b......... Retail seed dealer..................................................................... $30.00.c.,d. Repealed by Session Laws 2009-455, s. 11, effective October 1, 2009.(3) Each seed dealer or grower who has seed, whether originated or labeled by the dealer or grower, that is offered for sale in this State shall report the quantity of seed offered for sale and pay an inspection fee of four cents (4 ) for each container of seeds weighing 10 pounds or more. Seed shall be subject to the inspection fee and reporting requirements only once in any 12-month period. This fee does not apply to seed grown by a farmer and offered for sale by the farmer at the farm where the seed was grown.Each seed dealer or grower shall keep accurate records of the quantity of seeds and container weights offered for sale from each distribution point in the State. These records shall be available to the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner at any and all reasonable hours for the purpose of verifying the quantity of seed offered for sale and the fees paid. Each seed dealer or grower shall report quarterly on forms furnished by the Commissioner the quantity and container weight of seeds first offered for sale that quarter. The reports shall be made on the first day of January, April, July, and October, or within 10 days thereafter. Inspection fees shall be due and paid with the next quarterly report filed after the seed is first offered for sale. If the report is not filed and the inspection fees paid to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by the tenth day following the date due, or if the report of the quantity or container weights is false, the Commissioner may issue a stop-sale order for all seed offered for sale by the dealer or grower. If the inspection fees are unpaid more than 15 days after the due date, the amount due shall bear a penalty of ten percent (10%) which shall be added to the inspection fees due.  (1941, c. 114, s. 7; 1945, c. 828; 1947, c. 928; 1949, c. 725; 1963, c. 1182; 1969, c. 105; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1034, s. 13; 1989, c. 37, s. 8; 1991, c. 98, s. 1; c. 588, s. 1; 1995, c. 47, s. 5; 1997-261, s. 48; 2005-276, s. 42.1(c); 2009-455, s. 11.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.30 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.30 - Filing complaint; investigation; referral to Seed Board.

 106-277.30. Filing complaint; investigation; referral to Seed Board.(a) Complaint by Buyer. - When a buyer believes that he or she has suffered damages due to the failure of agricultural or vegetable seed to produce or perform as labeled or as warranted, or as the result of negligence, the buyer may make a sworn complaint against the dealer from whom the seeds were purchased, alleging the damages sustained or to be sustained, and file the complaint with the Commissioner within such time as to permit inspection of the seed, crops, or plants. The buyer shall send a copy of the complaint to the dealer by registered or certified mail. A filing fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) shall be paid to the Department with each complaint filed. This fee may be used by the Commissioner to offset the expenses of the Seed Board incurred under G.S. 106-277.32. Within 10 days after receipt of a copy of the complaint, the dealer may file an answer to the complaint and, in that event, shall send a copy to the buyer by registered or certified mail.(b) Investigation Requested by Dealer. - Any dealer who has received notice, either orally or in writing, that a buyer believes that he or she has suffered damage due to the failure of agricultural or vegetable seed sold by the dealer to perform as labeled or as warranted, or as a result of negligence, may request an investigation by the Seed Board pursuant to G.S. 106-277.32. A filing fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) shall be paid to the Department by the party requesting the investigation. The dealer shall send a copy of the request to the buyer by registered or certified mail. The buyer may file a response to the request with the Commissioner within 10 days of receipt of the request for an investigation.(c) Referral to Seed Board. - The Commissioner shall refer the complaint or request for investigation to the Seed Board to investigate and make findings and recommendations on the matters complained of pursuant to G.S. 106-277.32. (1998-210, s. 3.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.31 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.31 - Notice required.

 106-277.31. Notice required.Dealers shall legibly print or type on each seed container or affix a label on each seed container a notice in the following form or using reasonably equivalent language:   "Notice of Claims Procedure for Defective Seed   North Carolina provides an opportunity for persons who believe that they have suffered damage from the failure of agriculture or vegetable seeds to perform as labeled or warranted, or as a result of negligence, to have the matter investigated and heard before a special seed board as an alternative to filing a court action. To take advantage of this procedure, a purchaser of seed must file a complaint with the North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture in time for the seed, crop, or plants to be inspected. Failure to follow this procedure will limit the amount of damages you may be able to recover. Please contact the Commissioner of Agriculture for information about this claims procedure." (1998-210, s. 3.)
NC Gen Stat § 106-277.32 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 106 - Agriculture|Article 31 - North Carolina Seed Law.|§ 106-277.32 - Seed Board created; membership; duties.

 106-277.32. Seed Board created; membership; duties.(a) The Commissioner shall appoint a Seed Board composed of five members, three of whom shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the following: Director of the Agricultural Research Service, North Carolina State University; Director of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, North Carolina State University; and President of the North Carolina Seedsmen's Association. The other two members shall include: one farmer who is not connected in any way to selling seeds at retail or wholesale and one employee of the Department. An alternate for each member shall also be appointed in the same manner as that member was appointed to serve whenever that member is unable or unwilling to serve. Each member of the Board shall serve a four-year term at the discretion of the Commissioner. The Board shall elect a chairperson. The chairperson shall conduct all meetings and deliberations and direct all other activities of the Board. Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum and at least three board members must vote affirmatively for the Board to take any action.(b) A clerk shall be appointed to serve the Board. The clerk shall be an employee of the Department. The clerk shall keep accurate and correct records of all meetings and deliberations and perform other duties for the Board as directed by the chairperson.(c) The Department shall provide administrative support for the investigation under this section. The Board shall adopt rules to govern investigations and hearings. A copy of the rules shall be mailed to each party to a dispute upon receipt of a complaint.(d) Members of the Board appointed by the Commissioner who are not governmental employees shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for necessary travel and subsistence expenses pursuant to G.S. 138-5. Members of the Board who are State employees shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for necessary travel and subsistence expenses pursuant to G.S. 138-6.(e) The Attorney General shall represent the Board in any and all legal proceedings that may arise concerning or against the Board. (1998-210, s. 3.)