80-11-513. Elimination of commodity research and market development program -- petition -- hearing. The department shall eliminate a commodity research and market development program subject to the following:

(1) After 2 years from the date on which a commodity research and market development program is adopted, the department may, upon its own accord or upon receipt of a verified petition from 15% or more of the growers or producers of a commodity requesting elimination of a research and market development program, call a hearing to determine if the program should be eliminated. The format, information required, and criteria of valid petitions must be established by department rule.

(2) After considering the facts and information received at the hearing, the department may, within 60 days of the hearing, hold a referendum of affected growers and producers. The referendum must be by paper ballot mailed to the last-known address of known growers and producers of the relevant commodity, obtained from lists provided by the petitioner and other sources known to the department. To be eligible to vote on a referendum, an individual must be a producer who is 18 years of age or older and a Montana resident.

(3) Based on a majority referendum vote in favor of elimination, the department shall repeal all rules and administrative procedures and policies associated with the relevant commodity research and market development program and dissolve the associated advisory committee.

(4) All funds of a former commodity research and market development program remaining in the account established in 80-11-518 revert to the general fund.