reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
LA Rev Stat § 3:3503 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3503. Policy, purposes

RS 3503 - Policy, purposes A. It is hereby declared that the disorderly marketing of commodities in this state; improper preparation for market and lack of uniform grading and classification of commodities; unfair methods of competition in the marketing of commodities; and the inability of individual producers to maintain present markets or to develop new or larger markets for Louisiana grown commodities, results in an unreasonable and unnecessary economic waste of the agricultural wealth of this state. B. Such conditions and the accompanying waste jeopardize the future continued production of adequate supplies of food, fiber, and other products of the farm and of the soil for the people of this and other states, and prevent producers from obtaining a fair return from their investment. C. Unless such conditions are remedied, the purchasing power of such producers will remain low in relation to that of persons engaged in other gainful occupations within the state. Producers are thereby prevented from maintaining a proper standard of living and from contributing their fair share to the support of the necessary governmental functions, thus tending to increase unfairly the tax burdens of other citizens of this state. D. These conditions vitally concern the health and general welfare of the people of this state. It is hereby declared to be the policy of this state to aid producers in preventing economic waste in the marketing of their commodities, to develop more efficient and equitable methods in the marketing of commodities and to aid producers in restoring and maintaining their purchasing power at a more adequate, equitable, and reasonable level. E. The marketing of commodities within this state is hereby declared to be affected with a public interest. The provisions of this Chapter are enacted for the purpose of protecting the health and general welfare of the people of this state. F. The purposes of this Chapter are to do the following: (1) Enable producers of this state, with the aid of the state, more effectively to market their commodities. (2) Establish orderly marketing of commodities. (3) Provide for uniform grading and proper preparation of commodities for market. (4) Provide methods and means for the maintenance of present markets, or for the development of new or larger markets, for commodities which are grown within this state or for the prevention, modification, or elimination of trade barriers which obstruct the free flow of such commodities to market. (5) Eliminate or reduce economic waste in the marketing commodities. (6) Restore and maintain adequate purchasing power for the producers of this state. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3504 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3504. Compliance; defense to civil proceedings

RS 3504 - Compliance; defense to civil proceedings Proof that an act was done in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter shall be a complete defense to any civil action or proceeding arising therefrom. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3505 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3505. Cause of action survives

RS 3505 - Cause of action survives The suspension, amendment, or termination of any marketing order or marketing agreement does not suspend or terminate any cause of action which has accrued under it, but such cause of action shall survive and exist the same as if such marketing order or agreement had not been suspended, amended, or terminated. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3506 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3506. Volume or quantity defined

RS 3506 - Volume or quantity defined The terms, volume or quantity, except as in R.S. 3:3523, may be in terms of gross dollar value if the commissioner finds that such volume or quantity cannot be readily ascertained otherwise, or that gross dollar value is a more equitable measure of the commodity involved. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3507 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3507. Exceptions to Chapter

RS 3507 - Exceptions to Chapter A. This Chapter does not apply to any order, rule, or regulation which is issued by the Louisiana Public Service Commission or the Interstate Commerce Commission with respect to the operation of common carriers. B. This Chapter is not applicable to any retailer of any commodity except to the extent that such retailer also engages in the production, processing, or distribution of any commodity. C. This Chapter is not applicable to producers who sell directly to retail stores but shall be applicable if these producers sell through the distribution warehouses of these retail stores. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3508 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3508. Administration

RS 3508 - Administration A. The commissioner shall administer and enforce this Chapter. B. The commissioner may issue, administer, and enforce the provisions of any marketing order issued pursuant to this Chapter which regulates producer marketing or the handling of any commodity within this state. C. The commissioner may do all of the following: (1) Confer and cooperate with the legally constituted authorities of other states and of the United States, for the purpose of obtaining uniformity in the administration of federal and state marketing regulations, licenses, or orders. (2) Conduct joint hearings and issue joint or concurrent marketing orders for the purposes and within the standards which are set forth in the Chapter. (3) Exercise any administrative authority to effect such uniformity of administration and regulation of such commodities. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3511 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3511. Findings

RS 3511 - Findings A. For marketing orders containing provisions only for the establishment of grade, size, quality, or condition specification, or for uniform grading and inspection, or the elimination of unfair trade practices, or provisions for advertising or sales promotion, or for research, or for the establishment of necessary facilities specified in R.S. 3:3513(E), the commissioner may issue such marketing order if he makes all of the following findings: (1) That such marketing order is reasonably calculated to attain the objectives which are sought in such marketing order. (2) That such marketing order is in conformity with the provisions of this Chapter and within the applicable limitations and restrictions which are set forth in this Chapter and will tend to effectuate the declared purposes and policies of this Chapter. (3) That the interests of consumers are protected in that the powers established by this Chapter are being exercised only to the extent which is necessary to attain such objectives. B. In making any findings pursuant to this Subsection, the commissioner shall base his findings upon the facts, testimony, and evidence which is received at the public hearing together with any other relevant facts which are available to him from official publications or institutions of recognized standing and which are included in the record at such hearing. These findings constitute the final provisions of the marketing order to be presented for referendum vote. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3515 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3515. Deposits by applicants for marketing order

RS 3515 - Deposits by applicants for marketing order A. Prior to the issuance of any marketing order by the commissioner, the commissioner may require the applicants for the issuance of the marketing order to deposit with him such amount as he may deem necessary to defray the expenses of preparing and making effective such marketing order. Such funds shall be received, deposited, and disbursed by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions which are set forth in R.S. 3:3514. B. The commissioner shall reimburse the applicant, from any funds for necessary expenses which he has received pursuant to R.S. 3:3514, for any of the following: (1) Any amount deposited with the commissioner by applicant pursuant to Subsection A. (2) For any necessary expenses which are incurred by the applicant in preparing and in obtaining approval of the marketing order, upon receipt of a verified statement of such expenses which is approved by the commissioner. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3516 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3516. Approval of marketing orders

RS 3516 - Approval of marketing orders A. No marketing order or major amendment to it, which directly affects producers, producer marketing, handlers or processors, shall be made effective by the commissioner unless and until the commissioner finds that it has been approved by producers, handlers or processors in a referendum among those affected. The commissioner may make the finding if the producers, handlers, or processors that cast ballots in the referendum in favor of the marketing order or amendment to it represent not less than sixty-five percent of the total number of producers, handlers, or processors that marketed, handled or processed not less than fifty-one percent of the total quantity of the commodity in the preceding marketing season or if the producers, handlers or processors who cast ballots in favor of the marketing order or major amendment to it represent not less than fifty-one percent of the total number of producers, handlers or processors that marketed, handled or processed not less than sixty-five percent of the total quantity of the commodity which was marketed, handled or processed in the preceding marketing season. B. The commissioner shall establish a referendum period not to exceed thirty days. If the commissioner determines that the referendum period so established does not provide sufficient time for the balloting, he may extend the referendum period not more than fifteen additional days. At the close of the referendum period, the commissioner shall count and tabulate the ballots filed during the referendum period. C. If from the tabulation the commissioner finds that the number of producers, handlers or processors that voted in favor of the marketing order or amendment to the marketing order are sufficient for him to find that producers, handlers, or processors have approved the marketing order or amendment, the commissioner may make the marketing order or amendment to the marketing order effective. D. The commissioner may prescribe such additional procedures as may be necessary to conduct the referendum. E. Any producer that sells a growing crop to be harvested and marketed by another person is entitled to vote in a referendum, if both of the following requirements are complied with: (1) At the time of sale of such growing crop the producer retains the exclusive right so to assent or to so vote. (2) The quantity of such growing crop can be determined to the satisfaction of the commissioner. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3517 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3517. Major amendments to marketing order

RS 3517 - Major amendments to marketing order A. In making effective major amendments to a marketing order, the commissioner shall follow the same procedures which are prescribed in this Chapter for the institution of a marketing order. B. For the purposes of this Chapter, a major amendment to a marketing order shall include but not be limited to an amendment which adds to or deletes from, a marketing order authority any of the following: (1) Providing for the grade, size, or quality of a commodity, which may be prepared for market or marketed within this state. (2) Providing for the grade, size, or quality of any commodity, which any handler may purchase or acquire from or handle on behalf of any and all producers of such commodity within this state during any particular growing season. (3) Providing for the grade, size, or quality of any commodity, which any handler may process, distribute, or handle within this state during any particular growing season. (4) Establishing uniform grading and inspection of any commodity and the establishment of grading standards of quality, condition, size, or pack of such commodity. (5) Establishing plans for advertising and sales promotion of any commodity. (6) Prohibiting unfair trade practices. (7) Carrying out research studies in the production, processing, or distribution of any commodity. (8) Increasing an assessment rate beyond the maximum rate which is authorized by the marketing order then in effect. (9) Extending the application of the provisions of any marketing order to portions or uses of a commodity not previously subject to such provisions or to restrict the extension of the application of such provisions upon the producers or handlers of such portions or uses of any such commodity. C. Modification of any provision of any marketing order in effect for the purpose of clarifying the meaning or application of such provision or modifying administrative procedures for carrying out such provision is not a major amendment of such marketing order. D. The exercise by the commissioner of any regulatory authority which is authorized in a marketing order or marketing agreement is not a major amendment, but it is a seasonal marketing regulation. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3518 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3518. Minor amendments to marketing orders

RS 3518 - Minor amendments to marketing orders A. The commissioner may make minor amendments to any marketing order upon the recommendation of not less than seventy-five percent of the producer members or handler members of the advisory board, or not less than seventy-five percent of each group if both are represented upon the advisory board. B. The commissioner may require a public hearing upon minor amendments if in his opinion the substance of such minor amendments so warrant. The commissioner is not, however, required to submit minor amendments for written assent or referendum approval. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3520 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3520. Publication of notice

RS 3520 - Publication of notice A. Upon the issuance of any order which makes effective a marketing order, or any suspension, amendment, or termination of a marketing order, notice shall be published in the Louisiana Register. A marketing order, or any suspension, amendment, or termination of such shall not become effective until five days after the date of such publication. The commissioner shall also mail a copy of the notice to every person that is directly affected by the terms of such marketing order, suspension, amendment, or termination, whose name and address is on file in the office of the commissioner, and to every person that files in the office of the commissioner a written request for such notice. B. This Section does not apply to the termination of any marketing agreement under R.S. 3:3519(G)(1) and (2). Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3521 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3521. General rules and regulations

RS 3521 - General rules and regulations A. The commissioner may establish such general rules and regulations as may be necessary to facilitate the administration and enforcement of such marketing orders and agreements. B. The provisions of R.S. 3:3520 relative to publication and time of taking effect are applicable to any such general rule and regulation which is established pursuant to this Section and applicable to marketing orders. Such notice shall be mailed to the advisory board for each marketing order or marketing agreement which is in active operation. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3522 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3522. Administrative rules and regulations

RS 3522 - Administrative rules and regulations A. Upon recommendation of the advisory board which is concerned, the commissioner may establish administrative rules and regulations for each marketing order or marketing agreement as may be necessary. B. Such rules and regulations may include, but shall not be limited to, any of the following: (1) Methods for the purpose of explaining the provisions of such marketing order or agreement. (2) Prescribing forms and procedures to be followed by producers and handlers that are directly affected by such marketing order or agreement. (3) Providing information to producers and handlers that are subject to such marketing order or agreement. (4) Other procedural and explanatory provisions to enable such producers and handlers better to understand the program and their obligations under it and thereby assist in obtaining cooperation and compliance. C. The provisions of R.S. 3:3520 relative to publication, mailing of notice, and time of taking effect are applicable to any such administrative rules and regulations. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3523 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3523. Seasonal marketing regulations

RS 3523 - Seasonal marketing regulations A. Upon recommendation of the advisory board which is concerned, the commissioner may issue and make effective seasonal marketing regulations if all of the following requirements are complied with: (1) The marketing order or agreement concerned provides for the issuance of such seasonal marketing regulations and sets forth the limits within which such seasonal marketing regulations may be made effective by the commissioner. (2) The commissioner finds that such seasonal marketing regulations are reasonable and proper and a practical means of carrying out the marketing provisions which are authorized in such marketing order or agreement. B. Seasonal marketing regulations shall be applicable to a particular marketing order or agreement for the purpose of carrying into effect by administrative order the marketing regulatory authorizations of such marketing order or agreement as such authorizations may be applicable to, or required by, changing economic or marketing conditions and requirements during each marketing season in which such marketing order or agreement may operate. C. Seasonal marketing regulations shall not extend beyond the marketing regulatory authorizations which are specified in the marketing order or agreement, or modify or change the language of such marketing order by adding to, or subtracting from, such marketing order or agreement any of the marketing regulatory authorizations which are classed in R.S. 3:3517 as major amendments, or modify the language of any marketing order or agreement for the purpose of clarification as provided in R.S. 3:3518 for minor amendments. D. Notice of the issuance and the effective date of any such seasonal marketing regulations shall be given by the commissioner to all producers and handlers that are directly affected by any such regulations in the manner and within the time which is specified in the applicable marketing order or agreement, or as specified in the administrative rules and regulations which are made effective for such marketing order or agreement pursuant to R.S. 3:3522. E. It is intended that the provisions of this Section be interpreted liberally so that the commissioner may carry out the marketing regulations and procedures authorized in this Section in a practical and effective manner. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3524 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3524. Records

RS 3524 - Records A. The commissioner may require processors or distributors, that are subject to the provisions of any marketing order which is issued pursuant to this Chapter, to maintain books and records which reflect their operations under such marketing order, and to furnish him with such information as may be requested by him which relate to operations under such marketing order, and to permit the inspection by the commissioner of such portions of such books and records as relate to operations under such marketing order. B. Such information shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed to any other person except to an attorney who is employed to give legal advice upon it, or by court order. C. The commissioner may hold hearings, take testimony, administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, and issue subpoenas for the production of books, records, or documents of any kind. D. A person shall not be excused from such hearing or from producing documentary evidence, before the commissioner in obedience to the subpoena of the commissioner on the ground, or for the reason, that the testimony or evidence, documentary, or otherwise, which is required of him may tend to incriminate him or subject him to a penalty or forfeiture. A person shall not be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which he may be so required to testify during such hearing, or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, before the commissioner in obedience to a subpoena which is issued by him. A person testifying is not, however, exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so testifying. Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.
LA Rev Stat § 3:3531 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry|§3531. Definitions

RS 3531 - Definitions As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (1) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture for the state of Louisiana. (2) "Board" means the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board. (3) "Producer" means any person who receives a share in the proceeds from the sale of rice produced in this state. (4) "Rice" means all marketable green and dry rough "paddy" rice produced within the state of Louisiana for milling, seed or other commercial purposes. (5) "Hundredweight" means one hundred pounds, excluding tare. (6) "Miller" means any person engaged within or without the state in the operation of milling rice. (7) "Handler" means any person engaged in the business of handling rice. (8) "Person" means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association or other business unit. (9) "Fiscal year" means July first through June thirtieth of the following year. (10) "CCC" means the Commodity Credit Corporation. (11) "Buyer" means any person who purchases rice at the first point of sale only. (12) "Collection" means collecting and refunding the assessments. (13) "Louisiana Rice Council" means the Louisiana section of the Rice Council for Market Development. Added by Acts 1972, No. 104, §1; Acts 1991, No. 98, §1, eff. July 1, 1991; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8H, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.