(505 ILCS 115/1) (from Ch. 5, par. 1051) Sec. 1. Because the sheep and wool industry has been unable to effectively promote the need to expand production to meet current demands and because producers of sheep and wool are unable to develop adequate new markets for their commodity, the following is declared to be the legislative policy of this Act; (a) To emphasize the potential of a more profitable sheep and wool enterprise through increased production of both; (b) To enable sheep and wool producers of this State to coordinate more effectively the maintenance and development of markets of their commodity with market demands; (c) To encourage through market development and promotion programs, a more orderly, efficient and equitable manner of marketing sheep and wool products; (d) To provide methods for the development of new and larger markets for sheep and wool and (e) Through expanded promotion and marketing, aid sheep and wool producers in maintaining an adequate and equitable level of income. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/2) (from Ch. 5, par. 1052) Sec. 2. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Illinois Sheep and Wool Production Development and Marketing Act". (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/3) (from Ch. 5, par. 1053) Sec. 3. For the purpose of this Act, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: (a) "Sheep" means any animal of the ovine species, regardless of age, produced or marketed in Illinois. (b) "Wool" means the natural fiber produced by sheep. (c) "Producer" means any person who is actively engaged in the business of producing or marketing sheep or wool and who receives income from the production of sheep or wool, unless otherwise defined in the sheep and wool production development and marketing program. (d) "First Purchaser" means any person who resells sheep or wool purchased from a producer or offers for sale any product produced from such sheep or wool for any purpose. (e) "Market development" means to engage in research and educational programs directed toward better and more efficient production and utilization of sheep or wool; to provide methods and means for the maintenance of present markets; to promote the need to increase production to meet current demands so that the development of new and larger domestic and foreign markets can be attained. (f) "Sheep and wool production development and marketing program" means any program established under this Act which prescribes procedures and policy for the development of markets for sheep and wool or sheep and wool products. (g) "Sheep and wool production development and marketing board" means the board established under this Act to administer a program for the development of markets and promotion of the sheep and wool industry. (h) "Director" means the Director of the Department of Agriculture of the State of Illinois. (i) "Department" means the Department of Agriculture of the State of Illinois. (Source: P.A. 88-571, eff. 8-11-94.)

(505 ILCS 115/4) (from Ch. 5, par. 1054) Sec. 4. Any sheep and wool production development and marketing program proposed or adopted under this Act shall include where applicable the following: (a) A definition of terms; (b) The purpose of the program; (c) The maximum assessment rates and equitable procedures for adjustment of the maximum assessment rates provided for by the program. (d) Equitable procedures for collection of the assessment provided for by the program. (e) The election procedure and qualifications of the sheep and wool production development and marketing board members, representation on the sheep and wool production development and marketing board, terms of office, compensation, if any, and other necessary provisions pertaining thereto; (f) The operating procedures of the program; (g) The qualifications for exempting sheep or wool producers where such exemptions are applicable. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/5) (from Ch. 5, par. 1055) Sec. 5. Any sheep and wool production development or marketing program proposed or adopted under this Act may include any of the following: (a) Expansion of production of sheep and wool; (b) Market development and research programs; (c) Market promotion, education and public relations programs; (d) Market information services; (e) The right to contract with qualified organizations, agencies or individuals for any of the activities listed in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this Section; (f) A provision that assessments authorized in a production development or marketing program, shall not be used for political activities or for preferential treatment of any person to the detriment of other persons in the sheep and wool production development and marketing program. (g) Other provisions not inconsistent with this Act or other Illinois or federal laws and regulations. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/6) (from Ch. 5, par. 1056) Sec. 6. After the effective date of this Act, if there are sponsors willing and able to meet the requirements of Section 8, the Director shall appoint a temporary sheep and wool production development and marketing program committee consisting of 7 members who are sheep or wool producers to develop a sheep and wool production development and marketing program proposal. Such program shall be considered at a public hearing. After the close of the public hearing the Director and temporary sheep and wool production development and marketing program committee shall send copies of their findings to all parties of record appearing at the hearing. If such proposed program is approved by the temporary sheep and wool production development and marketing program committee, a referendum shall be held thereon in accordance with Section 7 of this Act. The Director, upon recommendation of the temporary sheep and wool production development and marketing program committee, shall establish procedures for the qualifications of producers for sheep and wool production development and marketing programs for the participation of producers in hearing and referenda and other procedures necessary in the development and adoption of a sheep and wool production development and marketing program. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/7) (from Ch. 5, par. 1057) Sec. 7. Within 120 days after final approval by the temporary sheep and wool production development and marketing program committee of any proposed sheep and wool production development or marketing program, the Director shall determine by referendum whether the affected producers assent to such proposed sheep and wool production development or marketing program. The proposed sheep and wool production development and marketing program is approved when a majority of those voting in the referendum vote in favor of such proposed sheep and wool production development and marketing program. If any proposed sheep and wool production development and marketing program is not approved by such referendum, no additional referendum on such sheep and wool production development and marketing program may be held for 2 years from the date of the close of such referendum period. A succeeding referendum shall be called by the Director upon request by written petition of 400 producers of sheep and/or wool with at least 5 signers of such petition from each of 25 counties. Prior to holding a succeeding referendum, the Director shall appoint a temporary sheep and wool production development and marketing program committee who are sheep and/or wool producers and shall follow the procedures as set forth in Section 6. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/8) (from Ch. 5, par. 1058) Sec. 8. Prior to the consideration of any proposed sheep and wool production development and marketing program or amendment, the Director may require the sponsors thereof to deposit with him such funds, not to exceed $5,000, as may be necessary to defray the expenses of preparing, holding hearings, and conducting the referendum on such sheep and wool production development and marketing program or amendment. Any funds received by the Director shall be deposited with the State Treasurer as ex-officio custodian and held by him separate and apart from any other public moneys of this State in a trust fund designated as the Sheep and Wool Commodity Trust Fund and disbursed only upon a voucher or order issued by the Director and paid by a warrant drawn by the State Comptroller and countersigned by the State Treasurer. The Director shall order disbursements from the Sheep and Wool Commodity Trust Fund only for payment of the expenses authorized by this Act. Any funds collected beyond actual expenses shall be reimbursed to the sponsors. The Treasurer of the sheep and wool production development and marketing board shall reimburse the sponsors in the amount of the deposit, less any refunds, from fees received under such program if such program is established. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/9) (from Ch. 5, par. 1059) Sec. 9. In any referendum under this Act, voting shall be by ballot cast by eligible voters at geographically located polling places or in such manner that will make it easy to vote throughout the State including voting by mail. Any producer who is qualified under the sheep and wool production development and marketing program is entitled to one vote. The referendum area includes the entire State of Illinois. Reasonable publicity and notification of the referendum date and voting locations shall be provided in trade publications, the public press and once in the official state newspaper, at least 2 weeks prior to such referendum date. (Source: P.A. 88-571, eff. 8-11-94.)

(505 ILCS 115/10) (from Ch. 5, par. 1060) Sec. 10. The sheep and wool production development and marketing program authorized by this Act shall remain in effect for 5 years. Thereafter, the program shall automatically be extended from year to year unless a referendum for continued approval is required by written petition of 400 producers of sheep and/or wool with at least 5 signers of such petition from each of 25 counties. The referendum shall be in accordance with Section 9 of this Act to determine the continued approval of such sheep and wool production development and marketing programs. Continuation or termination shall be determined by the same voting requirements for adoption of the sheep and wool production development and marketing program set forth in Section 7. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/11) (from Ch. 5, par. 1061) Sec. 11. Any sheep and wool production development and marketing program established under this Act shall provide for a sheep and wool production development and marketing board consisting of at least 7 members who are charged with the administration of the program. The board shall consist of one member elected from each of the districts as established in the sheep and wool production development and marketing program. The sheep and wool production development and marketing board shall elect from its members a chairman, secretary, treasurer and such other positions as may be provided for in the sheep and wool production development and marketing program. The term of office for members of the sheep and wool production development and marketing board shall be for 3 years, except that the term of the members of the board first taking office shall be for one, two or three years as determined by the initial board. The sheep and wool production development and marketing board shall establish the number of members for each term of office of the initial sheep and wool production development and marketing board and shall provide the procedure for the election of members in subsequent years. All voting members of the sheep and wool production development and marketing board are entitled to actual and necessary travel and incidental expenses while attending meetings of the board and provided for in the sheep and wool production development and marketing program. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/12) (from Ch. 5, par. 1062) Sec. 12. For the initial board any sheep and/or wool producer may be elected only if he first has his name placed on the ballot by filing a petition with the Director containing 50 signatures, of those producers in his district qualified to vote on the referendum. All candidates shall be natural persons who are producers and residents in the district for which they are nominated. Notice of the initial election of members of the board shall be given at least once in trade publications, the public press, and statewide newspapers at least 2 weeks prior to such election. Vacancies on the sheep and wool production development and marketing board during the term of office shall be filled by the sheep and wool production development and marketing board with a producer from the district for the balance of the unexpired term. In subsequent years, an election shall be held to fill any expiring term on the board. Elections shall be in the same fashion as for initial board members. The election procedure shall be as provided in this Section unless otherwise provided for in the sheep and wool production development and marketing program. Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes at any election shall be elected. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/13) (from Ch. 5, par. 1063) Sec. 13. The duties and responsibilities of the sheep and wool production development and marketing board shall be prescribed in the authority for each sheep and wool production development and marketing program and to the extent applicable shall include the following: (a) To develop and direct the sheep and wool production development and marketing program; (b) To prepare and approve a budget consistent with estimated receipts and the scope of the sheep and wool production development and marketing program; (c) To formulate and execute assessment procedures, rates and methods of collection; (d) To procure and evaluate data and information necessary for the proper administration and operation of the sheep and wool production development and marketing program; (e) To employ personnel and contract for services which are necessary for the proper operation of the sheep and wool production development and marketing program; (f) To authorize the expenditure of funds and the contracting of expenditures to conduct proper activities of the program; (g) To bond the treasurer and such other persons necessary to insure adequate protection of funds; and (h) To perform such other duties which are necessary to the proper operation of the program. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/14) (from Ch. 5, par. 1064) Sec. 14. For any sheep and wool production development and marketing program approved by referendum under this Act the Director shall: (a) Take steps to insure that adequate and proper records are kept and that an annual audit summary is available to all program participants; (b) Take steps to insure that adequate bonds are maintained; (c) Coordinate administrative activities between the sheep and wool production development and marketing board and the Department; and (d) Confer and cooperate with the legally constituted authorities of other states and the United States. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/15) (from Ch. 5, par. 1065) Sec. 15. Any properly qualified sheep and/or wool production development or marketing program shall provide for assessments against producers of the affected commodity to defray the costs of the activities provided for in the sheep and wool production development and marketing program. Assessments authorized in a sheep and/or wool production development and marketing program shall be based on the quantity of commodity marketed and shall be equitably assessed against all affected producers in one of two ways as follows: (a) If assessments are levied against only wool, then the total assessment levied on the commodity of any affected producer shall be 2 cents per pound of wool produced and sold by that producer during the first 5 years a program is in operation. If deemed necessary after the first 5 years a program is in operation the rate can be increased, not to exceed 1/2 cent per pound per every 2 years by a vote of a 5/7 majority of the entire sheep and wool production development and marketing board, however the assessment rate cannot exceed 5 cents per pound. In subsequent years, the sheep and wool production development and marketing board can request the Director to hold a producer referendum to increase above and beyond the maximum assessment rate of 5 cents per pound of wool allowed under the provisions of this Act. Providing that a majority of those producers voting, vote in favor, the sheep and wool production development and marketing board can then increase the rate. (b) If assessments are levied against both sheep and wool, then the total assessment levied on both commodities of any affected producer shall be one cent per pound of wool produced and sold by that producer and 10 cents per head of sheep produced and sold by that producer during the first 5 years a program is in operation. If deemed necessary after the first 5 years a program is in operation, the rate can be increased, not to exceed 1/4 cent per pound of wool per every 2 years and not to exceed 2 1/2 cents per head of sheep per every 2 years, by a vote of 5/7 majority of the entire sheep and wool production development and marketing board, however the assessment rate cannot exceed 2 1/2 cents per pound of wool and cannot exceed 25 cents per head of sheep. In subsequent years, the sheep and wool production development and marketing board can request the Director to hold a producer referendum to increase above and beyond the maximum assessment rates of 2 1/2 cents per pound of wool and 25 cents per head of sheep allowed under the provisions of the Act. Providing that a majority of those producers voting, vote in favor, the sheep and wool production development and marketing board can then increase the rate. Upon approval of a sheep and wool production development and marketing program by a majority of those voting in a referendum and pursuant to the provisions of this Act and of the approved program, the first purchasers of sheep and/or wool shall withhold and remit such assessments to the sheep and wool production development and marketing board. From the time withheld, such assessments shall be the property of said board and shall be held in trust by the first purchaser until the assessment is remitted to the Board. Such assessments shall not be subject to levy or execution by any creditor of the first purchaser. The sheep and wool production development and marketing board shall have the power to cause any duly authorized agent or representative to enter upon the premises of any purchaser of sheep and wool and examine or cause to be examined by such agent only books, papers and records which deal in any way with respect to the payment of the assessment or enforcement of this Act. (Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(505 ILCS 115/16) (from Ch. 5, par. 1066) Sec. 16. A producer who has sold sheep and/or wool and has had an assessment deducted from the sale may, by application in writing to the board, secure a refund in the amount deducted. The refund shall be payable only when the application has been made to the board within 60 days after the deduction. Interest shall be allowed and paid at the rate of 6% per annum upon the total amount of such assessment imposed by this Act, except that if any such assessment is refunded within 90 days after an application for refund has been made within the required 60 days after deduction or within 90 days after the first purchaser of sheep and/or wool remits the assessments withheld and deducted to the sheep and wool production development and marketing board, whichever is later, no interest shall be allowed on such assessment. Each application for refund by a producer shall have attached thereto proof of assessment deducted. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/17) (from Ch. 5, par. 1067) Sec. 17. Persons who withhold sheep and/or wool production development and marketing program assessment funds pursuant to Section 15 of this Act shall remit such funds to the sheep and wool production development and marketing board which shall deposit such in an account to be used as authorized by the sheep and wool production development and marketing program. Any due and payable assessment required under the provisions of any sheep or wool production development and marketing program created under this Act constitutes a personal debt of every person so assessed or who otherwise owes such assessment. Such assessment is due and payable to the sheep and wool production development and marketing board not more frequently than quarterly or when stipulated in the sheep and wool production development and marketing program and called for by the sheep and wool production development and marketing board. In the event any person fails to remit the full amount of such due assessment or such other sum within 30 days after the due date, the person owing such assessment shall be given the opportunity to present his case as provided for in Section 20 of this Act. When established that the assessment is correct, the sheep and wool production development and marketing board may add to such unpaid assessment or sum a penalty amount not exceeding 10% of the amount due plus all the cost of enforcing the collection of the assessment or sum due. In the event of failure of such person to remit any properly due assessment or sum, the sheep and wool production development and marketing board may bring a civil action against such person in the circuit court of any county for the collection thereof, together with the above additional specified 10% penalty assessment, cost of enforcing the collection of the assessment and court costs, including legal fees of the board, incurred by the board in enforcing payment of the assessment or debt and court costs. Such action shall be tried and judgment rendered as in any other cause of action for debts due and payable. All assessments are due and payable to the sheep and wool production development and marketing board. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/18) (from Ch. 5, par. 1068) Sec. 18. The sheep and wool production development and marketing board shall publish annually an activity and financial report for such sheep and wool production development and marketing programs to be available to all of the affected producers of the sheep and wool production development and marketing program. All expenditures under each sheep and wool production development and marketing program shall be audited at least annually by a registered public accountant. Within 30 days after completion of such audit, the results shall be made available to the Director. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/19) (from Ch. 5, par. 1069) Sec. 19. Upon termination of any sheep or wool production development and marketing program, all remaining unobligated funds shall be refunded to the Illinois Department of Agriculture to be used for sheep and/or wool production and/or marketing programs. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/20) (from Ch. 5, par. 1070) Sec. 20. No person shall knowingly fail or refuse to comply with any requirement of this Act where obligated to comply by a duly approved sheep and wool production development board and/or marketing program. The sheep and wool production development and marketing board may institute any action which is necessary to enforce compliance with any provision of this Act, and policy established thereunder or any sheep or wool production development and marketing program adopted pursuant to this Act. In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the sheep and wool production development and marketing board may petition for injunctive relief without being required to allege or prove the absence of any adequate remedy at law. Before the sheep and wool production development and marketing board may institute any proceedings under this Act, the alleged violator shall first be given an opportunity for a hearing, held pursuant to board procedures, at which he may present evidence as to why proceedings should not be instituted against him. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/21) (from Ch. 5, par. 1071) Sec. 21. A proposed amendment to an existing sheep and wool production development and marketing program may be requested by petition to the Director by 2% of the affected producers from each respective district or by a 5/7 majority vote of the sheep and wool production development and marketing board. If any amendment to an existing sheep and wool production development and marketing program is proposed, the Director shall hold a public hearing to consider such amendment. After the close of the public hearing the Director and the sheep and wool production development and marketing board shall send copies of their findings to all parties of record appearing at the hearing. If such proposed amendment is approved by the sheep and wool production development and marketing board a referendum may be held thereon in accordance with Section 9 and the same voting requirements for adoption of the sheep and/or wool production development and marketing program as set forth in Section 7. The Director, upon recommendation of the sheep and wool production development and marketing board, shall establish procedures necessary in the development and adoption of such proposed amendment to an existing sheep and wool production development and/or marketing program. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/22) (from Ch. 5, par. 1072) Sec. 22. The operation of any sheep and wool production development or marketing program or any part thereof may be temporarily suspended for any reasonable cause by the sheep and wool production development and marketing board, for any period of time not to exceed one growing and marketing season. (Source: P.A. 82-100.)

(505 ILCS 115/23) (from Ch. 5, par. 1073) Sec. 23. This Act shall not be subject to Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. (Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)