ARTICLE 5. Implementation and Voting Procedures [79100. - 79104.]

Cal. Food and Agricultural Code - FAC 5.

in effect

Cal. Food and Agricultural Code - FAC § 79100. Section 79100.

(a) Within 60 days of the effective date of this chapter, the secretary shall establish a list of divers and handlers eligible to vote on implementation of this chapter. In establishing the list, the secretary may require that divers and handlers submit the names and mailing addresses of all divers and handlers. The secretary also may request assistance of the Director of Fish and Game for the names of all licensed divers and handlers engaged in the sea urchin fishery during the previous season and the volume of landings of each diver. The request for information shall be in writing and the information provided shall be confidential and not made public. Notwithstanding Section 8022 or any other provision of law, the Director of Fish and Game shall comply with the request within 30 days of receipt. (b) Any diver and handler whose name does not appear on the appropriate list may have his or her name placed on the list by filing with the secretary a signed statement, identifying himself or herself as a diver or handler, and submitting other supporting documentation. Failure to be on the list does not exempt the person from paying assessments, and does not invalidate any industry votes conducted pursuant to this article. (c) Proponents and opponents of establishing the commission pursuant to this chapter may contact divers and handlers on the lists through the secretary, in a form and manner prescribed by the secretary, if all expenses associated with those contacts are paid in advance.

Cal. Food and Agricultural Code - FAC § 79101. Section 79101.

This chapter, except as necessary to conduct an implementation referendum vote, shall not become operative until the secretary finds at least one of the following in a referendum vote conducted by the secretary: (a) At least 40 percent of the total number of divers from the list established by the secretary pursuant to this article participate, and that either of the following occurs: (1) Sixty-five percent of the divers who voted in the referendum voted in favor of establishing the commission, and the divers so voting landed a majority of the total quantity of sea urchin landed in the preceding fishing season by all of the divers who voted in the referendum. (2) A majority of the divers who voted in the referendum voted in favor of establishing the commission, and the divers so voting landed 65 percent or more of the total quantity of sea urchin landed in the preceding fishing season by all of the divers who voted in the referendum. (b) At least 40 percent of the total number of handlers from the list established by the secretary pursuant to this article participate and that either of the following occurs: (1) Sixty-five percent of the handlers who voted in the referendum voted in favor of establishing the commission, and the handlers so voting handled a majority of the total quantity of sea urchin in the preceding fishing season by all of the handlers who voted in the referendum. (2) A majority of the handlers who voted in the referendum voted in favor of establishing the commission, and the handlers so voting handled 65 percent or more of the total quantity of sea urchin in the preceding fishing season by all of the handlers who voted in the referendum.

Cal. Food and Agricultural Code - FAC § 79102. Section 79102.

(a) The secretary shall establish a period in which to conduct the referendum, which shall not be less than 10 days or more than 60 days in duration, and may prescribe additional procedures necessary to conduct the referendum, including measures to maximize the likelihood that all eligible persons receive referendum voting materials. If the initial period established is less than 60 days, the secretary may extend the period. However, the total referendum period may not exceed 60 days. (b) Nonreceipt of a ballot by an eligible person shall not invalidate a referendum.

Cal. Food and Agricultural Code - FAC § 79103. Section 79103.

(a) If the secretary finds that a favorable vote has been given, pursuant to Section 79101, the secretary shall certify and give notice of the favorable vote to all affected divers and handlers whose names and addresses are on file with the secretary. (b) If the secretary finds that a favorable vote has not been given, pursuant to Section 79101, the secretary shall certify and declare all provisions of this chapter inoperative. The secretary may conduct other implementation referendum votes one year or more following certification of a previous vote. (c) If the secretary finds that a favorable vote has been given by either the divers or the handlers, but not both, the secretary shall certify and give notice of the favorable vote to all the divers and handlers whose names and addresses are on file with the secretary and this chapter shall be in effect only with regard to the divers or handlers, but not both, voting in favor of the referendum.

Cal. Food and Agricultural Code - FAC § 79104. Section 79104.

(a) Prior to the referendum vote conducted by the secretary pursuant to this article, the proponents of the commission shall deposit with the secretary the amount that the secretary 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 79101 shall be deposited in the funds of the commission. (c) Upon establishment of the commission, the commission may reimburse the proponents of the commission for any funds deposited with the secretary that were used in carrying out this article, and for any legal expenses and costs incurred in establishing the commission.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026