U.S. CODE

U.S. Code

§ 4612. Termination or suspension

(a) “Person” defined

In this section, the term “person” means a producer, importer, or handler.

(b) Authority of Secretary

If the Secretary finds that an order issued under this chapter, or any provision of the order, obstructs or does not tend to effectuate the purposes of this chapter, the Secretary shall terminate or suspend the operation of the order or provision.

Except as provided in subsection (d)(3) of this section and section 4613 (g) of this title, on the date that is 5 years after the date on which the Secretary issues an order authorizing the collection of assessments on honey or honey products under this chapter, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a referendum to determine if the persons subject to assessment under the order approve continuation of the order in accordance with section 4611 of this title.

(d) Referenda on request

(1) In general

On the request of the Honey Board or the petition of at least 10 percent of the total number of persons subject to assessment under the order, the Secretary shall conduct a referendum to determine if the persons subject to assessment under the order approve continuation of the order in accordance with section 4611 of this title.

(2) Limitation

Referenda conducted under paragraph (1) may not be held more than once every 2 years.

(3) Effect on periodic referenda

If a referendum is conducted under this subsection and the Secretary determines that continuation of the order is approved under section 4611 of this title, any referendum otherwise required to be conducted under subsection (c) of this section shall not be held before the date that is 5 years after the date of the referendum conducted under this subsection.

(e) Timing and requirements for termination or suspension

(1) In general

The Secretary shall terminate or suspend an order at the end of the marketing year during which a referendum is conducted under subsection (c) or (d) of this section if the Secretary determines that continuation of an order is not approved under section 4611 of this title.

(2) Subsequent referendum

If the Secretary terminates or suspends an order that assesses the handling of honey and honey products under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, not later than 90 days after submission of a proposed order by an interested party—

(A) propose another order to establish a research, promotion, and consumer information program; and

(B) conduct a referendum on the order among persons that would be subject to assessment under the order.

(3) Effectiveness of order

Section 4611 of this title shall apply in determining the effectiveness of the subsequent amended order under paragraph (2).

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