(505 ILCS 40/1) (from Ch. 5, par. 701) Sec. 1. Because individual producers of corn are unable to develop adequate new markets for their commodity, the following is declared to be the legislative policy of this Act; (a) To enable corn producers of this State to coordinate more effectively the maintenance and development of markets of their commodity with market demands; (b) To encourage through market development programs a more orderly, efficient and equitable manner of marketing corn and corn products; (c) To provide methods for the development of new and larger markets for corn; and (d) Through expanded markets aid corn producers in maintaining an adequate and equitable level of income. (Source: P.A. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/2) (from Ch. 5, par. 702) Sec. 2. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Illinois Corn Marketing Act". (Source: P.A. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/3) (from Ch. 5, par. 703) Sec. 3. For the purpose of this Act, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: (a) "Corn" means and includes all kinds and varieties of corn (excluding popcorn and sweet corn) grown in this State and marketed and sold as corn by the producer. (b) "Person" means any natural person, partnership, corporation, society, association, representative or other fiduciary. (c) "Producer" means any person who is actively engaged in the production of corn and who receives income from the production of corn, unless otherwise defined in corn marketing program. (d) "First purchaser" means any person who resells corn purchased from a producer or offers for sale any product produced from such corn for any purpose. (e) "Market development" means to engage in research and educational programs directed toward better and more efficient utilization of corn; to provide methods and means for the maintenance of present markets; for the development of new and larger domestic and foreign markets. (f) "Corn marketing program" means any program established under this Act which prescribes procedures for the development of markets for corn and corn products. (g) "Corn marketing board" means the board established under this Act to administer such procedures for the development of markets for corn and corn products. (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. (j) "Bushel" means 56 pounds of corn by weight. (Source: P.A. 82-941.)

(505 ILCS 40/4) (from Ch. 5, par. 704) Sec. 4. Any corn 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 corn marketing board members, representation on the corn 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 corn or producers where such exemptions are applicable. (Source: P.A. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/5) (from Ch. 5, par. 705) Sec. 5. Any corn marketing program proposed or adopted under this Act may include any of the following: (a) Market development and research programs; (b) Market promotion, education and public relations programs; (c) Market information services; (d) The right to contract with qualified organizations, agencies or individuals for any of the activities listed in paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section; (e) a provision that assessments authorized in a marketing program shall not be used for political activity or for preferential treatment of any person to the detriment of other persons in the marketing program; (f) Other provisions not inconsistent with this Act or other Illinois or federal laws and regulations. (Source: P.A. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/6) (from Ch. 5, par. 706) Sec. 6. Upon enactment of this legislation and if there are sponsors willing and able to meet the requirements of Section 8, the Director shall appoint a temporary corn marketing program committee consisting of 7 members who are corn producers to develop a corn marketing program proposal. Such proposal shall be considered at a public hearing. After the close of the public hearing the Director and temporary corn marketing program committee shall send copies of their findings to all parties of record appearing at the hearing. If such proposal is approved by the temporary corn marketing program committee, a referendum shall be held thereon in accordance with Section 7 of this Act. The Director, upon recommendation of the temporary corn marketing program committee, shall establish procedures for the qualifications of producers for corn marketing programs for the participation of producers in hearings and referenda and other procedures necessary in the development and adoption of a corn marketing program. Such procedures shall not be subject to the provisions of The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act; however, the Director shall take any necessary steps to inform affected persons of the procedures, including publication of the procedures in the Illinois Register. (Source: P.A. 82-941.)

(505 ILCS 40/7) (from Ch. 5, par. 707) Sec. 7. Within 90 days after final approval by the temporary corn marketing program committee of any proposed corn marketing program, the Director shall determine by referendum whether the affected producers assent to such proposed corn marketing program. The proposed corn marketing program is approved when a majority of those voting in the referendum vote in favor of such proposed corn marketing program. Following such approval the Department shall file the program with the Secretary of State as provided in Section 5-65 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. If any proposed corn marketing program is not approved by such referendum, no additional referendum on such corn 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 petition of 2,500 producers of corn with at least 10 signers of such petition from each of 50 counties. Prior to holding a succeeding referendum, the Director shall appoint a temporary corn marketing program committee who are corn producers and shall follow the procedures as set forth in Section 6. (Source: P.A. 88-45.)

(505 ILCS 40/8) (from Ch. 5, par. 708) Sec. 8. Prior to the consideration of any proposed corn marketing program or amendment, the Director may require the sponsors therefor 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 corn 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 Corn 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 Corn 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 corn 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. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/9) (from Ch. 5, par. 709) Sec. 9. In any referendum under this Act, voting shall be by ballot cast by eligible voters in such manner, as determined by the Director, that will make it easy to vote throughout the State. Any producer who is qualified under the corn 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 the official state newspaper, at least 2 weeks prior to such referendum date. (Source: P.A. 88-512; 88-513.)

(505 ILCS 40/10) (from Ch. 5, par. 710) Sec. 10. The corn marketing program established 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 no less than 10% of the affected producers from each respective district. The referendum shall be in accordance with Section 9 of this Act to determine the continued approval of such corn marketing program. Continuation or termination shall be determined by the same voting requirements for adoption of the corn marketing program set forth in Section 7. (Source: P.A. 97-813, eff. 7-13-12.)

(505 ILCS 40/11) (from Ch. 5, par. 711) Sec. 11. Any corn marketing program established under this Act shall provide for a corn marketing board consisting of at least 15 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 corn marketing program. The corn marketing board shall elect from its members a chairman, secretary, treasurer and such other positions as may be provided for in the corn marketing program. The term of office for members of the corn 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 corn marketing board shall establish the number of members for each term of office of the initial corn marketing board and shall provide the procedure for the election of members in subsequent years. All voting members of the corn marketing board are entitled to actual and necessary travel and incidental expenses while attending meetings of the board or while engaged in the performance of official responsibilities as determined by the board and provided for in the corn marketing program. (Source: P.A. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/12) (from Ch. 5, par. 712) Sec. 12. For the initial board any corn producer may be elected only if he first has his name placed on the ballot by filing a petition with the Director containing a number of signatures, equal to the lesser of 200 or 5%, 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 in trade publications, the public press, and statewide newspapers at least 2 weeks prior to such election. Vacancies on the corn marketing board during the term of office shall be filled by the corn 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 corn marketing program. Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes at any election shall be elected. (Source: P.A. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/13) (from Ch. 5, par. 713) Sec. 13. The duties and responsibilities of the corn marketing board shall be prescribed in the authority for each corn marketing program and to the extent applicable shall include the following: (a) To develop and direct the corn marketing program; (b) To prepare and approve a budget consistent with estimated receipts and the scope of the corn 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 corn marketing program; (e) To employ personnel and contract for services which are necessary for the proper operation of the corn 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. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/14) (from Ch. 5, par. 714) Sec. 14. For any corn 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 corn 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. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/15) (from Ch. 5, par. 715) Sec. 15. Any properly qualified corn marketing program shall provide for assessments against producers of the affected commodity to defray the costs of the activities provided for in the corn marketing program. Assessments authorized in a corn marketing program shall be based on the quantity of commodity marketed and shall be equitably assessed against all affected producers. The total assessment levied on the commodity of any affected producer shall be 1/4 cent per bushel of corn produced and sold by that producer. After the first 5 years a program is in operation, the corn marketing board may request the Director to hold a referendum to increase the assessment rate. Any referendum to increase the assessment rate shall be considered approved if a majority of those producers voting in the referendum vote in favor thereof. The corn marketing board shall increase the rate as set in the referendum. The corn marketing board shall require the first purchaser of corn to withhold and remit such assessments to the corn marketing board. A first purchaser remitting the assessments for any producer shall deduct the proper amount of assessment from any amount which he owes to such producer. The corn marketing board shall have the power to cause any duly authorized agent or representative to enter upon the premises of any purchaser of corn 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. 82-941.)

(505 ILCS 40/16) (from Ch. 5, par. 716) Sec. 16. A producer who has sold corn and has an assessment deducted from the sale price 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 corn remits the assessments withheld and deducted to the corn 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. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/17) (from Ch. 5, par. 717) Sec. 17. Persons who collect corn marketing program assessment funds pursuant to Section 15 of this Act shall remit such funds to the corn marketing board which shall deposit such in an account to be used as authorized by the corn marketing program. Any due and payable assessment required under the provisions of any corn 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 corn marketing board not more frequently than quarterly or when stipulated in the corn marketing program and called for by the corn 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 an opportunity to present his case as provided for in Section 20 of this Act. When established that the assessment is correct, the corn 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 corn 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. 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 corn marketing board. (Source: P.A. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/18) (from Ch. 5, par. 718) Sec. 18. The corn marketing board shall publish annually an activity and financial report for such corn marketing program to be available to all of the affected producers of the corn marketing program. All expenditures under each corn 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. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/19) (from Ch. 5, par. 719) Sec. 19. Upon termination of any corn marketing program, all remaining unobligated funds shall be refunded to the Illinois Department of Agriculture to be used for corn market development programs. (Source: P.A. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/20) (from Ch. 5, par. 720) 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 corn marketing program. The corn marketing board may institute any action which is necessary to enforce compliance with any provision of this Act or any corn marketing program adopted pursuant to this Act. In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the corn marketing board may petition for injunctive relief without being required to allege or prove the absence of any adequate remedy at law. Before the corn marketing board may institute any proceedings under this Act, the alleged violator shall first be given an opportunity to present his views to the corn marketing board as to why proceedings should not be instituted. Such hearings shall be subject to The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. (Source: P.A. 82-941.)

(505 ILCS 40/21) (from Ch. 5, par. 721) Sec. 21. A proposed amendment to an existing corn marketing program may be requested by petition to the Director by 5% of the affected producers from each respective district or by a 2/3 majority vote of the corn marketing board. If any amendment to an existing corn 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 corn 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 corn marketing board a referendum may be held thereon in accordance with Section 9 and the same voting requirements for adoption of the corn marketing program as set forth in Section 7. When any such amendment is approved by referendum, the Department shall file the amendment with the Secretary of State as provided in Section 5-65 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. The Director, upon recommendation of the corn marketing board, shall establish procedures necessary in the development and adoption of such proposed amendment to an existing corn marketing program. Such procedures shall be included in the rules of the Department required by Section 5-15 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. (Source: P.A. 88-45.)

(505 ILCS 40/22) (from Ch. 5, par. 722) Sec. 22. The operation of any corn marketing program or any part thereof may be temporarily suspended for any reasonable cause by the corn marketing board, for any period of time not to exceed one growing and marketing season. (Source: P.A. 81-189.)

(505 ILCS 40/23) (from Ch. 5, par. 723) Sec. 23. Sections 6 and 7 of this Act shall not be subject to Sections 5-35, 5-40, 5-100, 5-105, 5-110, 5-115, 5-120, 5-125, and 5-130 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. (Source: P.A. 88-45.)