Authority: Discretionary Inclusion.

A. In developing the operating plan for the structure and operation of the Milk Commission within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Director of the Department of Planning and Budget shall seek input from representatives of the affected industry and the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Secretary of Commerce and Trade shall review and approve the final plan. The approved plan shall be submitted to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by June 1, 2003.

B. It is the intent of the General Assembly that proposed legislation to effectuate the merger shall ensure that the Milk Commission's current core operations continue in form and function separate from those of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.