§ 2-16-616 - Subsequent referenda. - Arkansas Statutes

2-16-616. Subsequent referenda.

(a) In the event any referendum conducted under this subchapter fails to receive the required number of affirmative votes, the certified organization may call other referenda, with the consent of the State Plant Board.

(b) (1) After the passage of any referendum, the eligible voters shall be allowed by subsequent referenda to be held upon recommendation of the certified cotton growers' organization to vote on whether to eliminate or modify the program.

(2) Upon petition by one-third (1/3) of the cotton growers within a designated region established under 2-16-614, the certified cotton growers' organization shall be required to conduct a subsequent referendum on whether to eliminate or modify the program, provided that the certified cotton growers' organization is required to hold no more than one (1) petitioned referendum for each designated region during any given calendar year.

(3) Passage of the question called in the subsequent referendum requires that a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those voting approve the subsequent referendum.

(4) All the requirements for an initial referendum must be met in subsequent referenda.

(c) If an approved eradication program is discontinued for any reason, or the certified cotton growers' organization is abolished or loses its certification for any reason, assessments approved, levied, or otherwise collectible under this subchapter on the date of the event remain valid as necessary to pay the financial obligations of the certified cotton growers' organization.