(a) The department shall levy an administrative penalty against a person who violates this chapter or the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter in an amount of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for the first violation and not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each subsequent violation. The department may consider the severity, intent, and repeat nature of violations in issuing penalties. The department shall base the amount of the penalty assessed for each violation upon the nature of the violation, the seriousness of the effect of the violation upon the effectuation of the purposes and provisions of this chapter, and the impact of the penalty on the violator, including the deterrent effect on future violations.

(b) The secretary may issue a notice of warning, in lieu of an administrative penalty, upon a finding that the violation is minor or unintentional.

(c) A person against whom an administrative penalty is levied shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing before the secretary, upon a request made within 30 days after the date of issuance of the notice of penalty. At the hearing, the person shall be given the right to present evidence on the person’s own behalf. If a hearing is not requested, the administrative penalty shall constitute a final and nonreviewable order.

(d) If a hearing is held, review of the decision of the secretary may be sought by the person against whom the administrative penalty is levied within 30 days of the date of the final order of the secretary pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(e) After completion of the hearing procedure pursuant to subdivision (c), the secretary may file a certified copy of the department’s final decision that directs payment of an administrative penalty, and if applicable, any order denying a petition for a writ of administrative mandamus, with the clerk of the superior court of any county that has jurisdiction over the matter. Judgment shall be entered immediately by the clerk in conformity with the decision or order. Pursuant to Section 6103 of the Government Code, the clerk of the superior court shall not charge a fee for the performance of any official service required in connection with the entry of judgment pursuant to this section.

(f) Any funds recovered by the secretary pursuant to this section shall be deposited in a special account in the Department of Food and Agriculture Fund, and, notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, are continuously appropriated to the department to cover costs related to the enforcement of this chapter.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 497, Sec. 123. (AB 991) Effective January 1, 2020.)