The powers and duties of the commission board of directors
shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
(a) Adopt and from time to time alter, rescind, modify, and amend
bylaws, rules, and orders, and recommend regulations in accordance
with Article 9 for carrying out this chapter, including rules for
appeals from any bylaw, rule, regulation, order, or recommended
regulation. These actions shall not be subject to Chapter 3.5
(commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of
the Government Code.
(b) Administer and enforce this chapter and perform all acts and
exercise all powers incidental to, or in connection with, or
determined reasonably necessary for, proper or advisable effectuation
of the purposes of this chapter.
(c) Appoint its own officers from the members of the commission
board of directors, including a chairperson, one or more vice
chairpersons, and any other officers as it determines necessary. The
officers shall have the powers and duties delegated to them by the
commission board of directors.
(d) Employ a person to serve at the pleasure of the commission as
president and chief executive officer, and other personnel, including
legal counsel, necessary to carry out this chapter. The commission
may retain a management firm or staff from any board, commission, or
committee of the state to perform the functions prescribed by this
subdivision under control of the commission board of directors. If a
person subject to this subdivision engages in conduct that the
secretary determines to be in violation of this chapter, or is not in
the public interest, the secretary shall notify the commission of
the conduct and request that corrective, and if appropriate,
disciplinary action, be taken by the commission board of directors.
If the commission board of directors fails or refuses to correct the
situation or to take disciplinary action satisfactory to the
secretary, the secretary may suspend or discharge the person subject
to this subdivision.
(e) Fix the compensation for all employees.
(f) Appoint committees composed of both members and nonmembers of
the commission board of directors to advise in carrying out this
chapter.
(g) Establish offices and incur expenses, invest funds, enter into
contracts and agreements, and create liabilities and borrow funds in
advance of receipt of assessments as determined necessary for the
proper administration and enforcement of this chapter and the
performance of its duties.
(h) 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 board of directors with the
concurrence of the secretary. The audit shall be made a part of an
annual report to all producers of olives and handlers subject to this
chapter, and, notwithstanding Sections 9795 and 10231.5 of the
Government Code, copies of the audit shall 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.
(i) Present facts to, and negotiate with, state, federal, and
foreign agencies on matters that affect the purposes of this chapter.
(j) Make, in the name of the commission, contracts to render
service in formulating and conducting plans and programs, and any
other contracts or agreements determined to be necessary for the
purposes specified in this chapter.
(k) Conduct, and contract with others to conduct, research,
including the study, analysis, dissemination, and accumulation of
information obtained from research or elsewhere for purposes
described in this chapter. In connection with the research, accept
contributions of, or to match, private, state, or federal funds that
may be available for these purposes, and to employ or make
contributions of funds to other persons or state or federal agencies
conducting the research.
(l) Collect information and publish and distribute to producers a
bulletin or other communication for dissemination of information
relating to this chapter.
(m) Establish an assessment rate to defray operating costs.
(n) 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
subdivision (e).
(o) Submit to the secretary for his or her concurrence, an annual
statement of contemplated activities authorized under this chapter.
(p) 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.
(q) Engage in activities and administer any program authorized in
Article 9 (commencing with Section 79901) of this chapter.
(r) Prescribe the form and manner by which proponents and
opponents of the commission may contact producers so long as all
expenses associated with the contacts are paid in advance.