(a) Five years after implementation of this chapter, the secretary shall hold a public hearing, after providing proper notice to all persons subject to this chapter and any other persons or entities who have requested, in writing, notice of the hearing, to determine whether the operation of this chapter should be continued. If the secretary finds after the hearing that a substantial question exists among the persons assessed under this chapter regarding whether the operation of this chapter should be continued, the secretary shall submit the chapter to a reapproval referendum to be conducted among producers and handlers to determine whether the operation of this chapter shall be reapproved and continued in effect.

(b) If the secretary finds after conducting a hearing that no substantial question exists or, if a reapproval referendum is required, that a majority of the eligible producers and a majority of eligible handlers voting in the referendum voted in favor of continuing the operation of this chapter, the secretary shall so certify and this chapter shall remain operative. If the secretary finds that a favorable vote has not been given, he or she shall so certify and declare the operation of this chapter and the commission suspended upon the expiration of the current marketing season. Thereupon, the operations of the commission shall be concluded and funds distributed in the manner provided in Section 79294. No bond or security shall be required for any such referendum.

(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 366, Sec. 1. (AB 606) Effective January 1, 2010.)