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Committee approves bill to tighten grain‑grading rules, require training and preserve samples
Summary
Lawmakers passed House Bill 18‑46 to require licensed/trained graders, three‑day identity preservation of samples for regrading, and clarify supervisory responsibility for grade tickets after a season of reported dockage problems in eastern Arkansas; the committee approved the bill by voice vote.
Representative David Hillman presented House Bill 18‑46 in response to widespread complaints about damaged grain and inconsistent grading, notably in eastern Arkansas. Hillman said complaints and the complaint process revealed many graders were effectively temporary hires without formal training. The bill requires businesses that perform grading to be licensed and to ensure graders are trained and certified.
The bill also requires that graded samples have their identity preserved for three days so a farmer who questions a grade can request a regrading. Hillman described the existing practice that a licensed grader signs a ticket even if another worker performed sampling; HB 18‑46 clarifies supervisory responsibility and places ultimate responsibility on the signer. Committee discussion covered existing USDA inspection services (noting USDA can regrade samples for a fee) and regrading costs; committee colloquy referenced a regrade fee and reimbursement mechanics (a $12.50 figure was mentioned in discussion). Hillman said industry representatives had asked that liability be borne by the business rather than individual graders and that elevators and farmers supported the bill.
After closing remarks and no registered opposition, the committee moved and approved HB 18‑46 by voice vote.
