(a) Notwithstanding Section 54404.1, if the director receives a verified complaint that a processor, handler, distributor, or any agent of any such person or a cooperative bargaining association or any agent of an association has violated subdivision (e) of Section 54431, the director shall conduct a hearing within 14 days of receiving the complaint. The director shall issue a notice of the hearing not less than five days prior to the commencement of the hearing. The director may, but is not required to, make any investigation in addition to the hearing. The director shall announce his or her decision on the complaint within five days after the conclusion of the hearing and may take any action that is authorized by this section.

(b)  If the director determines that the person against whom the complaint was filed has violated subdivision (e) of Section 54431, the director may issue an order fashioned in a manner so as to expeditiously require that person to comply with the requirements of this chapter. If the person thereafter disobeys the order, the director, represented by the Attorney General, shall apply to the Superior Court of the County of Sacramento in order to obtain a court order requiring the person to obey the order of the director. The action shall be handled in an expeditious manner by the court and given calendar preference.

(c) The costs of the hearing held pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be assessed by the director and paid for by the party filing the complaint if the hearing results in a finding that no violation occurred. The costs of the hearing shall be paid for by the party against whom the complaint was filed if the hearing results in a finding that a violation had occurred.

(d) The hearing held pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be held in as expeditious a manner as possible under Sections 54404.2 and 54404.3. The hearing officer shall use his or her best efforts to ensure that the hearing will be conducted as quickly as possible consistent with the requirements of due process and this chapter.

(e) The record from the hearing held pursuant to subdivision (a) may be introduced by either party to that hearing at a hearing held pursuant to Section 54404. 1.

(Added by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1100, Sec. 8.)