MontanaHB 26969th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Eliminate the organic commodity advisory council

Sponsored By: Eric Tilleman (Republican)

Became Law

AgricultureState GovernmentRule Making

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Possible assessments to fund the program

Certified producers, processors, and handlers under the state program may be charged assessments, but only if a majority of them approve. Assessments must fully fund the program and avoid any negative hit to the state budget. An account in the state special revenue fund holds gifts, grants, donations, assessments, penalties, and other money for the program. The Board of Investments may invest these funds, and earnings stay in the account.

Montana organic certification and stricter rules

When at least half of Montana’s certified organic producers, processors, and handlers petition, the Department of Agriculture develops a state organic certification plan. The Governor submits the plan to USDA for approval. After approval, if two-thirds of the original petitioners ask for it and the Department verifies, the Department implements the program. The Department runs the program and sets rules consistent with federal organic and trade laws. The program ensures products labeled organic are produced and handled using organic methods, and it may set standards that are stricter than federal rules.

Advisory council and producer input

When the program starts, the state forms an organic advisory council. It includes the Department director, a public consumer, and certified producers, processors, and handlers, with producers as the majority. The council advises on rules, research, markets, assessments, enforcement, and contracts. The Department also must regularly seek input from the Montana Organic Association and other stakeholders.

State program keeps other certifiers

The state program does not apply to businesses certified only by other organic certifiers. It cannot block other certifiers from working in Montana or charging their fees. Producers may hold both state and other certifications.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Eric Tilleman
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Cora Neumann
Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 285 • No: 9

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 46 • No: 2

House vote • 4/8/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 45 • No: 2

House vote • 2/11/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 96 • No: 3

House vote • 2/10/2025