Section 2-19-126

Authority to designate elimination zones; authority to prohibit planting of cotton and to require participation in eradication program.

The board is authorized to designate by regulation one or more areas of this state as "elimination zones" where boll weevil eradication programs will be undertaken. The board is authorized to promulgate reasonable regulations regarding areas where cotton cannot be planted within an elimination zone when there is reason to believe it will jeopardize the success of the program or present a hazard to public health or safety. The board is authorized to issue regulations prohibiting the planting of noncommercial cotton in such elimination zones, and requiring that all growers of commercial cotton in the elimination zones participate in a program of boll weevil eradication including cost sharing as prescribed in the regulations. Notice of such prohibition and requirement shall be given by publication for one day each week for three successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the affected area. The board is authorized to set by regulation a reasonable schedule of penalty fees to be assessed when growers in designated "elimination zones" do not meet the requirements of regulations issued by the board with respect to reporting of acreage and participation in cost sharing as prescribed by regulation. Such penalty fees shall not exceed a charge of $50.00 per acre. When a grower fails to meet the requirements of regulations promulgated by the board, the commissioner shall have authority in elimination zones to destroy cotton not in compliance with such regulations. Costs incurred by the commissioner may be assessed against the grower.

(Acts 1984, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 84-786, p. 170, §7.)