Whereas, the collection and distribution of dairy promotion funds are critical to the success of the dairy industry; and

Whereas, the existing statutory method of collection results in significant delays and inefficiencies in the distribution of money for dairy promotion; and

Whereas, the structure of the dairy industry in Maine makes the current collection and distribution system obsolete; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §2956, 3rd ¶ from the end, as amended by PL 1995, c. 693, §5 and affected by §25, is further amended to read:

Each licensed dealer shall pay to the commission an annual license fee of $1 and the sum of 6 1/2¢ 5¢ per hundredweight as monthly payments, based on quantity of milk purchased or produced in any market area, or purchased or produced in an uncontrolled area and sold in any market area. Two and one-half cents per hundredweight may be deducted by dealers from amounts paid by them to producers of such milk, except that the milk farm- processed into cream for the manufacture of butter is not subject to such sums of 6 1/2¢ 5¢ per hundredweight. Of the amount paid by each dealer, 1 1/2¢ per hundredweight must be paid by the commission to the Maine Dairy and Nutrition Council for the purposes authorized by section 2999. The commission shall make payments to the Maine Dairy and Nutrition Council on a monthly basis.

Sec. 2. 7 MRSA §2991, sub-§§4 and 7, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 376, §28, are amended to read:

4. Dealer. "Dealer" means any person who purchases or receives milk for sale as the consignee or agent of a producer or and who handles that milk for sale, shipment, storage or, processing or sale within the State. "Dealer" includes a producer dealer or a store.