Article 4. Powers And Duties Of The Commission of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 22. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 12.7. >> Article 4.

The powers and duties of the commission shall include, but are not limited to, all of those contained in this article.

The commission may adopt and from time to time alter, rescind, modify, and amend all proper and necessary bylaws, rules, regulations, operating procedures, and orders for carrying out this chapter, including appeals from any bylaws, rules, regulations, operating procedures, or orders of the commission.

The commission may administer and enforce this chapter and do and perform all actions and exercise all powers incidental to, in connection with, or deemed reasonably necessary for, proper or advisable effectuation of this chapter, including, but not limited to, entering into contracts for services with public and private agencies which are deemed necessary by the commission to carry out this chapter.

The commission may appoint its own officers, including a chairperson, one or more vice chairpersons, and other officers it deems necessary. The officers shall have the powers and duties delegated to them by the commission.

The commission may employ a person to serve at the pleasure of the commission as president and other personnel, including legal counsel, necessary to carry out this chapter. If the person engages in any conduct that the secretary determines is not in the public interest or that is in violation of this chapter, the secretary shall notify the commission of the conduct and request that corrective action and, if appropriate, disciplinary action be taken by the commission. If the commission fails or refuses to correct the situation or to take disciplinary action satisfactory to the secretary, the secretary may suspend or discharge the person.

The commission may fix the compensation for all employees of the commission.

The commission may appoint committees composed of both members and nonmembers of the commission.

The commission may establish offices, incur expenses, enter into any and all contracts and agreements, create liabilities, and borrow funds in advance of receipt of assessments as may be necessary in the opinion of the commission for the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter and the performance of its duties.

The commission shall keep accurate books, records, and accounts of all of its dealings, which shall be subject to an annual audit by an auditing firm selected by the commission with the concurrence of the secretary. A summary of the audit shall be made a part of an annual report to all producers, copies of which shall also be submitted to the Legislature and the department. In addition, the secretary may, as he or she determines necessary, conduct or cause to be conducted a fiscal and compliance audit of the commission.

The commission may engage in market development and market research through plans and programs to enhance the sale of California winegrapes and winegrape products for the purpose of maintaining existing markets and creating new and larger domestic and foreign markets, and to educate and instruct the public with respect to the uses and value of California winegrapes and winegrape products. However, any plans and programs so developed and conducted shall not be directed towards a particular private brand or trade name, although private brands and trade names may be used in wine tastings and other similar programs authorized by the commission. In addition, the plans and programs shall make no use of false or unwarranted claims on behalf of California winegrapes or winegrape products, nor disparage the quality, value, sale, or use of any commodity. The commission shall not engage in collective bargaining issues, supply control, grades and quality standards, or price setting activities.

Persons subject to any local commission established after January 1, 1993, may designate the manner in which assessments that he or she pays to the local commission may be used, including for market development, market research, or production research, or a combination thereof. Persons may so designate during a period specified by the local commission following its establishment, and following any referendums conducted pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 74991).

The commission may accept contributions of, or match, private, local, state, or federal funds and employ or make contributions of funds to other persons or local, state or federal agencies for purposes of maintaining, promoting, and enhancing the winegrape industry.

The commission may present facts to, and negotiate with, local, state, federal, and foreign agencies on matters that affect the winegrape industry.

The commission may undertake appropriate research relating to the production and processing of winegrapes, including the development of new winegrape products and uses for these products.

The commission may publish and distribute bulletins or other communications relating to the California winegrape industry.

The commission may establish an assessment rate to defray operating costs of the commission.

The commission may establish an annual budget according to accepted accounting practices. The budget shall be concurred in by the secretary prior to disbursement of funds, except for disbursements made pursuant to Section 74896.

The commission shall submit to the secretary, for his or her concurrence, an annual statement of contemplated activities authorized pursuant to this chapter.

The commission may investigate and prosecute civil violations of this chapter and file complaints with appropriate law enforcement agencies or officers for suspected criminal violations of this chapter.

The secretary may require that any contract to which the commission is a party be submitted to the secretary for concurrence prior to the commission entering into the contract. If the secretary requires the submission of a contract and does not concur in that contract, the secretary shall hold a public hearing within 14 days of the initial decision not to concur. In the notice of the hearing, the secretary shall present a written explanation of his or her decision. The secretary shall make a final decision on whether or not to concur in the contract within 30 days of the hearing. The contract may not be executed from the time that the secretary makes the initial decision not to concur to the time of the final decision.