SB 2606

This bill requires the department of agriculture to use funds within the department's Tennessee agricultural enhancement fund to directly purchase and distribute round hay baling machines to applicants in the hay equipment portion of the Tennessee agricultural enhancement program. The requirements for the purchase and distribution of machines are as follows:  Prior to October 1, 2026, the department must purchase 100 machines.  On or after October 1, 2026, an applicant may apply to receive one machine from the department in lieu of purchasing a machine and applying for a cost-share grant associated with that purchase .  Except for the reimbursement and cost-share requirements, an applicant must meet all other eligibility and program requirements to be eligible to receive a machine.  An applicant that receives a machine is ineligible for a cost-share grant in the hay equipment portion of the agricultural enhancement program for a period of time, to be determined by dividing the cost of the machine by the amount of $12,000.