Dry bean checkoff increase approved with new lobby limit

Senators passed a bill April 7 that increases the checkoff levied on dry beans.

The current checkoff rate on dry beans is 10 cents per 100 pounds of beans, which was set in 1987. LB242, introduced by Gering Sen. John Stinner, increases the checkoff to 15 cents beginning Aug. 1, 2015, and authorizes the Dry Bean Commission to adjust the checkoff to a maximum of 24 cents.

LB242 repeals a provision that allows dry bean producers to apply for a refund of their checkoff paid within 30 days of the sale of dry beans. It also adjusts the amount of money that can be used for lobbying, from 25 to 15 percent of revenue.

The bill passed on a 42-1 vote.