(1) The commissioner may inspect and test any weights, measures, or standards submitted to the metrology laboratory. Weights, measures, and standards may not be approved by the department's laboratory unless the design and construction of the unit complies with the design and construction requirements prescribed by the national institute of standards and technology or other entity approved by the commissioner. The commissioner may establish approval periods, conditions, and limitations by rule.

(2) (a) The laboratory may require that specified weights, measures, or standards submitted for calibration be cleaned or sanded, scraped, and painted before submission. The fee for any metrology service shall be established by the commission. For each fiscal year, commencing on July 1, seventy-five percent of the direct and indirect costs associated with metrology laboratory services, including the regulation of weighing and measuring device sales, installation, and service persons, shall be funded from the general fund. The commission shall establish a fee schedule to cover any direct and indirect costs not funded from the general fund.

(b) Repealed.

(3) The laboratory may seize any weight, measure, or standard that it deems not to be susceptible of repair. Within twenty-four hours after such seizure, the laboratory shall cause notice of such seizure to be served personally or by first-class mail upon the owner of such weight, measure, or standard, advising such owner of the seizure and of the laboratory's intention to destroy such weights, measures, or standards, pursuant to section 35-14-107 (1)(k). Such notice shall also state that the owner of such weights, measures, or standards may, within twenty days after the date of personal service or mailing, request in writing that the commissioner conduct a hearing to determine whether such weights, measures, or standards are not susceptible of repair. If a hearing is requested, it shall be conducted promptly, and the commissioner or the commissioner's designated agent shall preside over such hearing, and the laboratory shall take no further action pending such hearing. If a hearing is not requested, the seized weights, measures, or standards may be destroyed after the expiration of the twenty-day period.