(a) Any renderer or collection center operator licensed pursuant to this article or transporter registered pursuant to Article 6.5 (commencing with Section 19310) who fails in any respect to keep the written records required by this article, or to set out in that written record any matter required by this article to be set out in the record, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) Every renderer, collection center operator, or transporter who refuses, upon demand of any peace officer or authorized employee of the Department of the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Food and Agriculture, to exhibit any written record required by this article, or who destroys that record within two years after making the final entry of any information required by this article, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(c) Any violation of subdivision (a) or (b) is punishable as follows:

(1) For a first offense, by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than 30 days, or by both the fine and imprisonment.

(2) For a second offense within a period of one year, by a fine of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than 30 days, or by both the fine and imprisonment. In addition to any other punishment imposed pursuant to this paragraph, the court may order the defendant to stop engaging in the business as a renderer, collection center operator, or transporter for a period not to exceed 30 days.

(3) For a third or any subsequent offense within a period of two years, by a fine of not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than six months, or by both the fine and imprisonment. In addition to any other sentence imposed pursuant to this paragraph, the court shall order the defendant to stop engaging in the business as a renderer, collection center operator, or transporter for a period of 30 days.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 595, Sec. 5. (AB 1566) Effective January 1, 2015.)