A. Pursuant to the Oklahoma Sorghum Resources Act, the Oklahoma Sorghum Commission shall have the power and duty to:

1. Elect Commission officers to provide leadership and organization;

2. Call and conduct meetings as necessary in carrying out the provisions of the Oklahoma Sorghum Resources Act;

3. Formulate basic objectives and the general policies and programs of the State of Oklahoma respecting the discovery, promotion, and development of markets and industries for the utilization of sorghum;

4. Approve financial matters;

5. Maintain and enforce provisions of the Oklahoma Sorghum Resources Act;

6. Promulgate rules as are necessary to promptly and effectively administer the provisions of the Oklahoma Sorghum Resources Act;

7. Conduct assessment referenda pursuant to the Oklahoma Sorghum Resources Act;

8. Conduct programs consistent with the Oklahoma Sorghum Resources Act;

9. Develop bylaws for the due and orderly administration of the affairs of the Commission and for its responsibilities specified pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Sorghum Resources Act;

10. Advise, consult, and cooperate with agencies of this state and its political subdivisions, other states, the federal government, and with affected groups;

11. Collect and disseminate information relating to sorghum production;

12. Contract with agencies of this state and its political subdivisions, other states, the federal government, and other organizations or persons to comply and fulfill its mission pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Sorghum Resources Act;

13. Hold public hearings for any purposes consistent with the provisions of the Oklahoma Sorghum Resources Act;

14. Identify and coordinate industry-wide programs for sorghum, sorghum resources, sorghum market development, sorghum promotion, and education relating to sorghum;

15. Seek information from sorghum producers and users for purposes of planning and prioritizing expenditures of Commission funds;

16. Protect or represent the best interests of the industry; conduct production, utilization, and policy research that affects the sorghum industry and benefits producers' profitability; disseminate reliable information; cooperate with agencies of this state and other states and governmental entities to implement joint programs; receive gifts and grants; and implement, or cause to be implemented, programs to increase the commercial value of Oklahoma sorghum; and

17. Take any other actions deemed necessary by the Commission to implement the provisions of the Oklahoma Sorghum Resources Act.

B. In addition, the Commission shall:

1. Make available for inspections during an annual independent audit each fiscal year by a competent accountant or auditor, all books, records of account, and minutes of proceedings maintained by the Commission. The Commission shall provide to the State Department of Agriculture a copy of the annual audit performed pursuant to this section;

2. Not later than forty-five (45) days after the last day of the fiscal year, submit to the President of the State Board of Agriculture a report itemizing all income and expenditures and describing all activities of the Commission during the fiscal year;

3. Provide surety bonds in amounts determined by the Department of Central Services for any members who handle funds for the Commission; and

4. Receive, hold in trust, and disburse all assessments and other funds collected pursuant to the Oklahoma Sorghum Resources Act as trust funds of the Commission.

C. Any funds received by the Commission pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Sorghum Resources Act shall not be used, directly or indirectly, or as a result of contract or agreement, with other persons or organizations in supporting or opposing political candidates or political office holders, either state or national.

D. 1. Except for instances of gross negligence, individual criminal actions, or acts of dishonesty, the Commission and employees of the Commission are not individually liable to a sorghum producer or other person for actions or omissions taken pursuant to this act that are:

a. errors in judgment, or

b. mistakes.

2. A member of the Commission is not individually liable for an act or omission of another member of the Commission.

Historical Data

Laws 1997, SB 45, c. 151, § 4, emerg. eff. April 25, 1997; Amended by Laws 2001, HB 1378, c. 146, § 137, emerg. eff. April 30, 2001 (superseded document available); Renumbered from 2 O.S. § 1850.4 by Laws 2001, HB 1378, c. 146, § 266, emerg. eff. April 30, 2001.