80-11-1003. Powers of committee -- administrative costs. (1) The committee:

(a) may plan and conduct a research program to improve the quality of pulse crops, develop and improve control measures for disease and pests that attack pulse crops, and disseminate information among the growers and dealers of the state;

(b) may plan and conduct a publicity and sales promotion campaign to increase the sale and use of Montana pulse crops;

(c) may cooperate with a local, state, or national organization or agency, whether voluntary or created by the law of a state or the United States government, engaged in similar work or activities to carry out a joint campaign of research, education, product protection, publicity, and reciprocal enforcement of the objectives of this part;

(d) may enter into contracts and other agreements to carry out the purposes of this section;

(e) shall have final authority on the use and distribution of money from the pulse crop special revenue account provided for in 80-11-1006;

(f) may provide, through the department, for the administration and enforcement of this part;

(g) may recommend rules and orders to be adopted for the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties, in accordance with the Montana Administrative Procedure Act;

(h) may authorize the purchase of office equipment or supplies and incur all other reasonable and necessary expenses and obligations required to carry out the provisions of this part;

(i) may become a member of and purchase membership in trade organizations and subscribe to and purchase trade bulletins, journals, and other trade publications; and

(j) may, in cooperation with the director of the department, establish and maintain the executive offices of the committee at any location in the state. The location may be changed at the discretion of the director and the committee.

(2) Funds used by the department for administering the program, including but not limited to personal service costs, operating costs, office and office equipment costs, and other administrative costs attributable to the program, may not exceed 8% of the total amount of grants and contracts awarded from the pulse crop account provided for in 80-11-1006 in the previous fiscal year.