Section 287.609 - Exemption of assessments prohibited; referendum; petition; ballots; costs; termination of programs; payment of debts; disposition of unexpended or unencumbered funds(1) An exemption shall not be made of an assessment required to be imposed under this act.(2) After the first 5 full calendar years of operation the commission shall conduct a referendum to determine if the program shall be continued. The program shall be terminated only if, in a referendum, more than 50% of the affected producers who pay more than 50% of the assessments vote in favor of the program's termination.(3) Upon written petition signed by 500 of the producers affected by the program during the previous calendar year, the director, within 100 days, shall conduct a referendum to determine if the marketing program shall be terminated. A program shall be terminated only if more than 50% of the affected producers who pay more than 50% of the assessments vote in favor of its termination.(4) In a referendum, the director shall mail a ballot to each affected producer of record. Ballots shall also be made available through livestock sales yards, extension offices, and the commission upon request.(5) The commission shall pay the costs of conducting a referendum.(6) Upon termination of the program, the commission shall assure payment of all debts incurred by the program. Unexpended or unencumbered funds remaining in the account of the commission at the time of termination shall be paid into the state general fund.1972, Act 291, Imd. Eff. 10/30/1972 ;--Am. 1976, Act 238, Imd. Eff. 8/4/1976 ;--Am. 1978, Act 284, Imd. Eff. 7/6/1978 ;--Am. 1983, Act 154, Imd. Eff. 7/18/1983.