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Senate approves increase in Idaho Bean Commission assessment
Summary
Senate Bill 10‑54 equalizes and raises the assessment paid to the Idaho Bean Commission from 12¢ to 16¢ per hundredweight, with both growers and dealers contributing 8¢ each; the measure sets a 24¢ cap and passed the Senate.
Boise — The Idaho Senate on March 3 passed Senate Bill 10‑54, which adjusts the assessment paid to the Idaho Bean Commission and equalizes contributions between growers and dealers.
Senator Blaylock, speaking for the Agricultural Affairs Committee, said the commission is self‑funded and receives no general fund money. The bill increases the assessment from 12¢ to 16¢ per hundredweight and changes the split so both growers and dealers pay 8¢ each. The bill also raises the statutory cap so the commission could levy as much as 24¢ per hundredweight in the future without returning to the Legislature.
Blaylock said the assessment has not been increased since 1992 and that inflation and industry needs — including pest and disease research and seed‑cleaning standards — have reduced the purchasing power of the current assessment. He said growers and dealers engaged the industry throughout 2024 and that both groups support the proposal.
During the roll call several senators explained their votes; Senator Adams said she would vote no because the amended bill uses language under a tax levy and she pledged not to support tax increases. Senator Cole said the increased cap would leave the Legislature out of future rate increases and therefore voted no. The secretary announced the final count: 21 in favor, 13 opposed and 1 absent; the bill passed and will be transmitted to the House.
