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Senate approves increase in Idaho Bean Commission assessment, equalizing grower and dealer shares
Summary
Senate Bill 10-54, which raises the Idaho Bean Commission assessment to 16¢ per hundredweight (8¢ growers/8¢ dealers) with a maximum cap of 24¢, passed the Senate 21–13 with one absence. Sponsor said the commission is industry-funded and supports research and seed standards.
BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Senate passed Senate Bill 10-54 on March 3, which adjusts assessments collected by the Idaho Bean Commission. The bill equalizes the per-hundredweight assessment so growers and dealers each pay 8¢ (for a total of 16¢), and raises the commission’s statutory maximum assessment to 24¢ per hundredweight.
Senator Blaylock, speaking as the bill’s floor sponsor during final consideration, said the commission is self-funded and receives no general-fund dollars. He said the last assessment change occurred in 1992 and that inflation and industry needs — including research on pests and disease and maintaining Idaho’s seed-cleaning reputation — justify the adjustment. Blaylock said the change had been discussed across the industry throughout 2024 and is supported by both growers and dealers.
On the floor, Senator Adams said she opposed the measure on principle because it is presented in the statutes as a “tax levy” in the amended language and she had pledged not to support tax increases; Adams recorded a no vote. Senator Cole said her concern was the legislative cap increase that could leave the legislature out of future increases.
The Senate secretary announced the final tally as 21 in favor, 13 against and 1 absent. The bill passed the Senate and will be transmitted to the House of Representatives.
Votes at a glance: Senate Bill 10-54 — Passed 21 yes, 13 no, 1 absent; title approved; bill transmitted to the House.
Background: The Idaho Bean Commission said the assessment funds industry-driven activities such as research and seed-quality programs; the commission covers program costs through assessments rather than general-fund appropriations.
