Vermont BILL H.421
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VT LEG 264905.1B</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> H.421</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Introduced by Representatives Pearson of Burlington , Browning of Arlington , Courcelle of Rutland City , Davis of Washington, Fisher of</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Lincoln , French of Shrewsbury , Greshin of Warren , Johnson of South Hero, Martin of Springfield , Masland of Thetford,</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Mrowicki of Putney, Nuovo of Middlebury, Sharpe of Bristol , Stevens of Waterbury and Waite-Simpson of Essex</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Referred to Committee on</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Subject: Agriculture; genetically engineered seed; alfalfa; registration</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Statement of purpose: This bill proposes to require distributors of genetically engineered alfalfa seeds to supply growers with proof of registration prior to cultivation. It also requires that distributors provide notice to property owners located within a three-mile radius of a genetically engineered alfalfa crop. An act relating to the use and registration of genetically engineered alfalfa seeds in Vermont</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont :</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Sec. 1. 6 V.S.A. § 641 is amended to read:</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> § 641. DEFINITIONS</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> As used in this chapter:</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">BILL AS INTRODUCED H.421</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VT LEG 264905.1B</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (11) “Cultivation” means the planting, growing, and harvesting of agricultural or horticultural crops.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (12) “Distributor” means any person or entity that distributes genetically engineered alfalfa seeds commercially.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (13) “Genetically engineered alfalfa” means alfalfa grown from genetically engineered seed.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (14) “Grower” means a person, a business, or an organization that sows and raises crops.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Sec. 2. 6 V.S.A. chapter 35, subchapter 3 is added to read:</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Subchapter 3. Registration and Notice of the Use of Genetically Engineered Alfalfa Seeds</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> § 651. REGISTRATION OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED ALFALFA;</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (a) No grower shall cultivate genetically engineered alfalfa seeds on lands within the state except upon receiving proof of registration from the distributor that supplied the grower with genetically engineered alfalfa seeds.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (b) The secretary shall implement a registration program within the agency for the purpose of monitoring the cultivation of genetically engineered alfalfa crops on lands within the state. The registration program shall use an electronic database to record:</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(1) the names and addresses of all growers 1 of genetically engineered alfalfa in the state;</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (2) the number of acres each grower intends to cultivate with genetically engineered alfalfa;</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (3) the location of each proposed planting of genetically engineered alfalfa; and</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (4) the end user to whom the grower intends to sell the harvested crop of genetically engineered alfalfa, if to anyone.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (c) The secretary shall annually report on or before January 15 to the house and senate committees on agriculture the total number of growers of genetically engineered alfalfa in the state, the total number of acres cultivated with genetically engineered alfalfa in the state, and a summary of grower and consumer satisfaction with genetically engineered alfalfa seed and harvested crops, including the costs of production and value of the crop.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (d) The secretary shall cooperate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other agencies in seed law enforcement.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">§ 652. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS; PROOF OF REGISTRATION</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>(a)<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span>A distributor of genetically engineered alfalfa seed shall provide the growers it supplies with proof of registration from the agency 30 days before the grower cultivates a genetically engineered alfalfa crop or crops on lands within the state.</p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">BILL AS INTRODUCED H.421</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(b) To obtain proof of registration, a distributor 1 shall submit the following documents to the agency:</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (1) a statement of intent listing the grower’s name and address, the number of acres the grower intends to cultivate with genetically engineered alfalfa, and a written description of where the genetically engineered alfalfa crop or crops will be located;</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (2) a map indicating where the genetically engineered alfalfa crop or crops will be cultivated; and</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (3) signed affidavits pursuant to subsection 653(b) of this title.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (c) The requirements of subsection (b) of this section shall be renewed upon each new planting of genetically engineered alfalfa seed.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (d) Distributors of genetically engineered alfalfa shall submit a processing fee of $50.00 to the agency with each filing made in compliance with subsection (b) of this section.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> § 653. NOTICE REQUIREMENTS</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (a) A distributor of genetically engineered alfalfa seed shall provide written notice to the owners of real property located within a three-mile radius of a planned genetically engineered alfalfa crop or crops. Notice shall be given no less than 60 days prior to the use of genetically engineered alfalfa seeds and shall be renewed upon each new planting. Notice shall be given by certified mail with return receipt requested.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">BILL AS INTRODUCED H.421</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VT LEG 264905.1B</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>(b)<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span>To obtain proof of registration, the distributor 1 must submit signed affidavits from the owners of real property within a three-mile radius of a planned genetically engineered alfalfa crop for which the distributor supplied the seeds, attesting that the distributor has informed the owners of the proposed planting.</p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> § 654. VIOLATIONS</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (a) The secretary may assess administrative penalties not to exceed $300.00 per violation against a distributor who fails to register in whole or part under this subchapter, registers using information that the distributor knows to be false, or fails to provide notice to neighbors as prescribed in this subchapter.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (b) In determining the amount of the penalty assessed under this subsection, the secretary shall consider the appropriateness of the penalty with respect to the gravity of the violation, and the distributor’s good faith and overall history of prior violations.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (c)(1) The secretary shall issue a written notice of a violation by setting forth the facts establishing probable cause that a violation occurred. The notice shall be served by personal service or by certified mail with return receipt requested. The notice shall advise the distributor of the right to a hearing before the secretary. The notice shall identify the proposed penalty and declare that the decision shall become final and the penalty imposed if no hearing is requested.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">BILL AS INTRODUCED H.421</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(2) If a hearing is requested, it shall be conducted 1 pursuant to 3 V.S.A. chapter 25.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (3) A distributor receiving notice shall have 15 days from the date on which notice is received to request a hearing.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (d) Any party aggrieved by the decision of the secretary after a hearing may appeal to a superior court within 30 days of the decision by the secretary.</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE</span></span></p>
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<p class="yiv1413549648MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> This act shall take effect on passage.</span></span></p>
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