Every commodity commission shall have such powers and duties in accordance with provisions of this chapter as may be provided in the marketing order and shall have the following powers and duties:

     (1) To elect a chair and such other officers as determined advisable;

     (2) To adopt, rescind and amend rules and regulations reasonably necessary for the administration and operation of the commission and the enforcement of its duties under the marketing order;

     (3) To administer, enforce, direct and control the provisions of the marketing order and of this chapter relating thereto;

     (4) To employ and discharge at its discretion such administrators and additional personnel, attorneys, advertising and research agencies and other persons and firms that it may deem appropriate and pay compensation to the same;

     (5) To acquire personal property and purchase or lease office space and other necessary real property and transfer and convey the same;

     (6) To institute and maintain in its own name any and all legal actions, including actions by injunction, mandatory injunction or civil recovery, or proceedings before administrative tribunals or other governmental authorities necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter and of the marketing order;

     (7) To keep accurate records of all its receipts and disbursements, which records shall be open to inspection and audit by the state auditor or private auditor designated by the state auditor at least every five years;

     (8) Borrow money and incur indebtedness;

     (9) Make necessary disbursements for routine operating expenses;

     (10) To expend funds for commodity-related education, training, and leadership programs as each commission deems expedient;

     (11) To work cooperatively with other local, state, and federal agencies; universities; and national organizations for the purposes provided in the commission's marketing order;

     (12) To enter into contracts or interagency agreements with any private or public agency, whether federal, state, or local, to carry out the purposes provided in the commission's marketing order. Personal service contracts must comply with chapter 39.29 RCW;

     (13) To accept and expend or retain any gifts, bequests, contributions, or grants from private persons or private and public agencies to carry out the purposes provided in the commission's marketing order;

     (14) To enter into contracts or agreements for research in the production, irrigation, processing, transportation, marketing, use, or distribution of an affected commodity;

     (15) To retain in emergent situations the services of private legal counsel to conduct legal actions on behalf of a commission. The retention of a private attorney is subject to review by the office of the attorney general;

     (16) To engage in appropriate fund-raising activities for the purpose of supporting activities of the commission authorized by the marketing order;

     (17) To participate in international, federal, state, and local hearings, meetings, and other proceedings relating to the production, irrigation, manufacture, regulation, transportation, distribution, sale, or use of affected commodities including activities authorized under RCW 42.17.190, including the reporting of those activities to the public disclosure commission;

     (18) To maintain a list of the names and addresses of affected producers that may be compiled from information used to collect assessments under the provisions of the marketing order and data on the value of each producer's production for a minimum three-year period;

     (19) To maintain a list of the names and addresses of persons who handle the affected commodity within the affected area and data on the amount and value of the commodity handled for a minimum three-year period by each person;

     (20) To request records and audit the records of producers or handlers of the affected commodity during normal business hours to determine whether the appropriate assessment has been paid;

     (21) To acquire or own intellectual property rights, licenses, or patents and to collect royalties resulting from commission-funded research related to the affected commodity; and

     (22) Such other powers and duties that are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

[2003 c 396 § 2; 2002 c 313 § 57; 2001 c 315 § 3; 1985 c 261 § 20; 1982 c 81 § 2; 1961 c 11 § 15.66.140. Prior: 1955 c 191 § 14.]

NOTES:

     Effective date -- 2003 c 396: See note following RCW 15.66.030.

     Effective dates -- 2002 c 313: See note following RCW 15.65.020.