(a) Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, any violation of this chapter, or the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the first violation and not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each subsequent violation.

(b) The secretary may, after hearing, refuse to issue or renew, or may suspend or revoke, a license or registration for any violation of this chapter or any regulation that is adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(c) Upon calling a hearing, the secretary shall hand deliver or mail a notice of the hearing to the licensee or registrant specifying the time and place of the hearing at least 10 days prior to the hearing. The hearing officer may do any of the following:

(1) Administer oaths and take testimony.

(2) Issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of the licensee, registrant, or witnesses, together with books, records, memorandums, papers, and all other documents that may be pertinent to the case.

(3) Compel from the licensee or registrant and any witness the disclosure of all facts known to him or her regarding the case. In no instance shall any employee of Feed, Fertilizer, Livestock Drugs and Egg Regulatory Services serve as the hearing officer in any hearing conducted pursuant to this section.

(d) Any person who is denied a license, whose license is not renewed, or whose license is suspended or revoked pursuant to this section may appeal to the secretary.

(Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 257, Sec. 16. (AB 856) Effective January 1, 2010.)