Tennessee § 43-6-407 - Elimination zones — Designation — Rules — Penalties.

§ 43-6-407. Elimination zones — Designation — Rules — Penalties.

The commissioner may designate by rule one (1) or more areas of this state as “elimination zones” where boll weevil eradication programs will be undertaken. The commissioner may promulgate reasonable rules regarding areas where cotton cannot be planted within an elimination zone when there is reason to believe it will jeopardize the success of the program or present a hazard to public health or safety. The commissioner may issue rules prohibiting the planting of noncommercial cotton in elimination zones, and requiring that all growers of commercial cotton in the elimination zones participate in a program of boll weevil eradication, including cost sharing as prescribed in the rules. Notice of the prohibition and requirement shall be given by publication for one (1) day each week for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the affected area. The commissioner may set by rule a reasonable schedule of penalty fees to be assessed when growers in designated “elimination zones” do not meet the requirements of rules issued by the commissioner with respect to reporting of acreage and participation in cost sharing as prescribed by rule. Such penalty fee shall not exceed a charge of fifty dollars ($50.00) per acre. When a grower fails to meet the requirements of rules promulgated by the commissioner, the commissioner is authorized in elimination zones to destroy cotton not in compliance with the rules. Costs incurred by the commissioner may be assessed against the grower. Acts 1989, ch. 350, § 7.