Article 5. Implementation And Voting Procedures of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 22. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 15. >> Article 5.

(a) Not later than April 1, 1999, or as soon thereafter as possible, the secretary shall establish a list of producers eligible to vote on implementation of this chapter. In establishing the list, the secretary may require that handlers, producers, and others submit the names and mailing addresses of all producers. The secretary also may require that the information provided include the quantity of wool produced by each producer or, in the alternative, may establish procedures for receiving the information at the time of the referendum vote specified in Section 76312. The request for the information shall be in writing. The information shall be filed within 30 days following receipt of the written request.
  (b) Any producer whose name does not appear on the secretary's list may have his or her name established on the list by filing with the secretary a signed statement, identifying himself or herself as a producer. Failure to be on the list does not exempt the producer from paying assessments.
  (c) Prior to the certification of a favorable vote as provided in Section 76315, the secretary shall allow producers to view the list of names of producers created pursuant to subdivision (a). The list shall be viewed only at the department and shall not be photocopied.

This chapter, except as necessary to conduct an implementation referendum vote, shall not become operative until the director finds in a referendum vote conducted by the director that at least 40 percent of the total number of producers from the list established by the director pursuant to this article, participate, and that either of the following occurred:
  (a) Sixty-five percent or more of the producers who voted in the referendum voted in favor of the provisions of this chapter, and the producers so voting marketed a majority of the total quantity of wool in the preceding season by all of the producers who voted in the referendum.
  (b) A majority of the producers who voted in the referendum voted in favor of this chapter, and the producers so voting marketed 65 percent or more of the total quantity of wool in the preceding season by all of the producers who voted in the referendum.

The director shall establish a period in which to conduct the referendum which shall not be less than 10 days nor more than 60 days in duration, and may prescribe additional procedures that may be necessary to conduct the referendum. If the initial period established is less than 60 days, the director may extend the period, however the total referendum period may not exceed 60 days.

Nonreceipt of a ballot shall not invalidate a referendum.

If the director finds that a favorable vote has been given as provided in Section 76312, he or she shall certify and give notice of the favorable vote to all producers whose names and addresses may be on file with the director.

If the director finds that a favorable vote has not been given as provided in Section 76312, he or she shall certify and declare all provisions of this chapter inoperative.

Upon certification of the commission, the director shall contact all producers in each district by mail, or call meetings of producers in each district for the purpose of nominating and electing persons for appointment to the commission. All producers on the director's list shall be given written notice of any election meetings at least 15 days prior to the meeting date.

To be eligible for election to the commission, producer nominees must present to the director a nomination petition with the signatures of at least 10 eligible producers from the district from which the nominee is seeking election.

Subsequent to the first election of members of the commission pursuant to this chapter, persons to be elected to the commission shall be selected pursuant to nomination and election procedures as shall be established by the commission with the concurrence of the director.

(a) Prior to the referendum vote conducted by the director pursuant to Section 76312, the proponents of the commission shall deposit with the director the amount that the director deems necessary to defray the expenses of preparing the necessary lists and information and conducting the vote.
  (b) Any funds not used in carrying out Section 76312 shall be returned to the proponents of the commission who deposited the funds with the director.
  (c) Upon establishment of the commission, the commission is authorized to reimburse the proponents of the commission for any funds deposited with the director which were used in carrying out Section 76312, and for any legal expenses and costs incurred in establishing the commission.