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Senate panel advances bill to modernize California Table Grape Commission statute
Summary
AB 482 would update the Table Grape Commission's governing law, align practices with current industry needs and raise an assessment cap (without imposing an immediate increase). The committee moved the bill to the Judiciary Committee after author testimony and no recorded opposition.
Assemblymember Salathe presented AB 482 to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, saying the bill would update and modernize the California Table Grape Commission's authorizing statute, which was created in 1967 and last amended in 1982.
Ian LeMay, president of the California Table Grape Commission, told the committee the commission helps market California table grapes domestically and internationally and that modernized statute language and a higher authorized assessment cap would allow the commission to respond to evolving needs. LeMay said the bill “does not impose an assessment increase” and that any assessment change would remain subject to grower-elected commissioners.
The author described the industry geography and economic role, saying the table grape industry is largely located in and around disadvantaged communities in the San Joaquin and Coachella valleys and that a stronger commission supports jobs and rural economic development.
No members of the public registered opposition in committee. The committee established quorum during the item and then took a roll-call vote. The committee reported the bill out with an initial recorded affirmative tally and placed the bill on call to allow members to complete their votes.
The committee recorded the motion as due to pass to the Judiciary Committee and moved the item forward.
