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Committee advances AB 230 to extend Pierce’s disease program to 2037
Summary
AB 230 would extend the Pierce’s Disease Control Program and the Glassy‑winged Sharpshooter Board to 2037; industry groups told the committee the programs remain necessary to prevent outbreaks and are funded by federal, industry, and grower assessment dollars. The committee reported the bill to Appropriations.
The Assembly Agriculture Committee voted to report Assembly Bill 230 to the Appropriations Committee, extending state authority for the Pierce’s Disease Control Program and the Glassy‑winged Sharpshooter Board through 2037.
Assemblywoman Ransom, the bill’s author as identified in the hearing, told the committee the entities were created about 25 years ago to combat Pierce’s disease, which can kill grapevines and is spread by the glassy‑winged sharpshooter. She said early outbreaks affected more than 300 acres of vines and that continued research and field efforts are necessary to prevent a widespread recurrence.
"These programs have received unanimous support in prior years and continue to have robust backing from the California wine growers," a sponsor representative said during the presentation. Michael Miller of the California Association of Wine Grape Growers attended the hearing in support.
Representatives of industry groups also registered support during public comment. Anna Ferreira spoke for the Wine Institute; Madison Dwelle registered support for the Family Winemakers of California; Taylor Triffa spoke for the California Fresh Fruit Association; and Isabella Quinones appeared for the California Farm Bureau.
Committee members did not record substantive opposition on the committee floor. The secretary completed a roll call with multiple 'Aye' responses, and the chair announced AB 230 had eight votes and was reported out of committee to Appropriations.
AB 230 would keep the state's Pierce’s disease response structure intact and preserve the statutory authority for the Glassy‑winged Sharpshooter Board through 2037. Supporters told the committee the program is funded through a combination of federal funds, industry contributions, and wine‑grower assessments. The bill now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
