(a) If the secretary finds after the hearing that a substantial question of opposition exists among affected producers under this article regarding whether the operation of this article should be continued, the secretary shall submit the article for approval utilizing the following voting procedures set forth in this section and Sections 5923 to 5927, inclusive. As used in this subdivision, “substantial question of opposition” means opposition to the substance of the petition among currently affected producers, and is not intended to mean a particular number of producers.

(b) Within 90 days of the secretary determining the requirement for referendum has been met, the secretary shall establish a list of persons eligible to vote on the continued implementation of this article.

(c) Eligibility shall be limited to producers who paid the assessment on citrus fruit in the immediately preceding marketing season.

(d) (1) In establishing the list, the secretary may require handlers, producers, and others to submit the names, mailing addresses, and assessment values of all producers who paid the assessment on citrus fruit in the immediately preceding marketing season.

(2) The information required by the secretary shall be filed either with the monthly assessment form or no later than 30 days following receipt of a written notice from the secretary requesting the information.

(e) Any producer whose name does not appear on the secretary’s list may have his or her name added to the list by filing with the secretary a signed statement identifying himself or herself as a producer that paid an assessment during the most recent marketing season.

(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 426, Sec. 1. (AB 281) Effective October 11, 2009. Conditionally inoperative as provided in Section 5927.)