(a)  Licensees or applicants for a license shall be required to furnish and maintain a surety bond in a form and amount satisfactory to the director, if within the preceding four years the director determines that they have done any of the following:

(1) Engaged in conduct which demonstrates a lack of financial responsibility including, but not limited to, delinquent accounts payable, judgments of liability, insolvency, or bankruptcy.

(2) Failed to assure future financial responsibility unless a surety bond is posted.

(3) Otherwise violated this chapter which resulted in license revocation.

(b) The bond shall not be less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or 20 percent of the annual dollar volume of business based on farm product value returned to the grower, whichever is greater, as assurance that the licensee’s or applicant’s business will be conducted in accordance with this chapter and that the licensee or applicant will pay all amounts due farm products creditors.

(c) The director, based on changes in the nature and volume of business conducted by the licensee, may require an increase or authorize a reduction in the amount of the bond, but in no case shall the bond be reduced below ten thousand dollars ($10,000). A licensee who is notified by the director to provide a bond in an increased amount shall do so within a reasonable time as specified by the director. If the licensee fails to do so, the director may, after notice and opportunity for hearing, suspend or revoke the license of any licensee.

(Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 662, Sec. 15.)