§3538.  National and international policy

A.  The Louisiana Legislature hereby finds and declares that the factors which affect the ability of Louisiana rice farmers to market their crop are established by national and international forces in the world market.  The Louisiana Legislature further finds and declares that the expenditure of funds by the board for the purpose of influencing the development and implementation of national and international policy affecting the marketing of rice produced by Louisiana farmers is the expenditure of funds for a public purpose.

B.  The board is hereby authorized to expend a portion of the funds received and administered by the board for the purpose of influencing the development and implementation of national and international policy affecting the marketing of rice produced by Louisiana farmers.

C.  The amount of funds expended by the board in each fiscal year for the purposes authorized in this Section shall not exceed five percent of the budget of the board for that fiscal year.

D.  The board shall not expend any funds for the purpose of influencing any legislative action on the state level.

Added by Acts 1988, No. 278, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8H, eff. June 12, 2009.