58-1408. DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE COMMISSION. (1) Consistent with the general purposes of this chapter, the commission shall establish the policies to be followed in the accomplishments of such purposes.

(2) In the administration of the provisions of this chapter, the commission shall, in conjunction and cooperation with other entities which represent the livestock grazing industry, have the following duties, authorities and powers.

(a) Conduct research and surveys to determine public attitudes and levels of knowledge regarding rangeland management and the livestock grazing industry;

(b) Design educational campaigns and other needed efforts to provide the public with accurate information regarding the management of Idaho’s rangelands and the livestock grazing industry;

(c) Be an advocate for the proper management of Idaho’s rangelands and for a healthy livestock grazing industry in the state;

(d) Be a source of accurate and timely data regarding the rangeland resource and the livestock grazing industry;

(e) Make projections regarding availability of forage, new or existing products and markets, and other biological or social trends which might affect rangeland management or the livestock grazing industry in Idaho; and

(f) Cooperate with any local, state or national organization or agency, whether voluntary or created by the law of any state or by national law, engaged in work or activities similar to the work and activities of the commission, and to enter into contracts and agreements with such organizations or agencies for carrying on a joint campaign of research, education and publicity.

(3) The commission shall also have the duty, power and authority:

(a) To take such actions as the commission deems necessary or advisable to stabilize and protect the livestock grazing industry of the state and the health and welfare of the public;

(b) To enter into such contracts as may be necessary or advisable;

(c) To appoint and employ officers, agents and other personnel, including experts in publicizing rangeland management or the livestock grazing industry, and to prescribe their duties and fix their compensation;

(d) To sue and be sued as a board, without individual liability of the board members, when the board is acting within the scope of the powers of the board;

(e) To make use of such advertising means and methods as the commission deems advisable and to enter into contracts and agreements for research and advertising within the state;

(f) To lease, purchase or own the real or personal property deemed necessary in the administration of the provisions of this chapter;

(g) To prosecute in the name of the state of Idaho any suit or action for collection of any assessment provided for in this chapter;

(h) To adopt, rescind, modify and amend all necessary and proper orders, resolutions and regulations for the procedure and exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties;

(i) To incur indebtedness and carry on all business activities; and

(j) To keep books and records and accounts of all its doings, which books, records and accounts shall be open to inspection at all times by the state controller and the public.

History:

[58-1408, added 1994, ch. 374, sec. 1, p. 1205; am. 2003, ch. 32, sec. 28, p. 133.]