This section sets out how the pest suppression program can be discontinued and how remaining funds are handled.
Sec. 80.014. DISCONTINUATION OF PROGRAM AND CORPORATION AND DISPOSITION OF FUNDS ON DISCONTINUANCE. (a) On the determination by the corporation that the pest suppression program has been completed in all pest management zones established under this chapter, the corporation shall provide notice of the completion to the commissioner along with a request for discontinuance of the control and suppression program and collection of the assessment. Any request under this subsection must include documentation supporting the fact that pests are no longer a threat to the state's citrus industry and a plan for discontinuance of the program and assessment. (b) The commissioner shall determine whether or not the further suppression of pests is necessary in the pest management zones and approve or disapprove discontinuance of the corporation and the plan for dissolution. (c) On completion of the dissolution, the corporation shall file a final report with the commissioner, including a financial report, and submit all remaining funds into the trust of the commissioner. Final books of the corporation shall be filed with the commissioner and are subject to audit by the department. (d) The commissioner shall pay from the corporation's remaining funds all of the corporation's outstanding obligations. (e) Funds remaining after payment under Subsection (d) shall be returned to contributing citrus producers on a pro rata basis. (f) If 30 percent or more of the citrus producers eligible to vote within a zone participating in the program present to the commissioner a petition calling for a referendum of the qualified voters on the proposition of discontinuing the program, the commissioner shall conduct a referendum for that purpose. (g) The commissioner shall give notice of the referendum, the referendum shall be conducted, and the results shall be declared in the manner provided by law for the original referendum and election, with any necessary exceptions provided by rule of the commissioner. (h) The commissioner shall conduct the referendum before the 90th day after the date the petition was filed, except that a referendum may not be held before the second anniversary of any other referendum in the pest management zone pertaining to establishing or discontinuing the pest management zone. (i) Approval of the proposition requires the same vote as required in a referendum under Section 80.016(g). If the proposition is approved, the suppression program is abolished and the pest management zone ceases to exist on payment of all debts of the pest management zone. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 506 (S.B. 1016), Sec. 10.01, eff. September 1, 2009. Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 29 (S.B. 1749), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2015.