SECTIONS 79651-79668 - California Statutes

FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL CODE

SECTION 79651-79668

79651. The powers and duties of the commission include, but are not
limited to, all of those contained in this article.

79652. The commission may adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws, rules,
regulations, orders, and operating procedures necessary to carry out
this chapter, including regulations governing appeals from actions
taken by the commission pursuant to any of its regulations or
operating procedures. These actions of the commission 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.

79653. The commission may administer and enforce this chapter and
perform all acts and exercise all powers incidental to, or in
connection with, or deemed reasonably necessary for, the proper or
advisable effectuation of this chapter.

79654. The commission may appoint its own officers, including a
chairperson, one or more vice chairpersons, and other officers as it
deems necessary. The officers have the powers and duties delegated to
them by the commission.

79655. The commission may employ a person to serve at the pleasure
of the commission as president and chief executive officer of the
commission, and other personnel, including legal counsel, necessary
to carry out this chapter. The commission may retain a management
firm or the staff from any board, commission, or agency of the state
or federal government to perform the functions prescribed by this
section under the control of the commission. If any person employed
by the commission engages in any conduct that the secretary
determines is not in the public interest or that he or she determines
is in violation of this chapter, the secretary shall notify the
commission of the conduct and request that corrective and, if
appropriate, disciplinary action be taken by the commission. If the
commission fails or refuses to correct the situation or to take
disciplinary action satisfactory to the secretary, the secretary may
suspend or discharge the person.

79656. The commission may fix the compensation for all employees of
the commission.

79657. The commission may appoint committees composed of both board
members and nonmembers of the commission to advise the commission in
carrying out this chapter.

79658. The commission may establish offices and incur expenses,
enter into any and all contracts and agreements, including
contracting in its name to receive or render services in formulating
and conducting plans and programs, create liabilities, and borrow
funds in advance of receipt of assessments as may be necessary, in
the opinion of the commission, for the proper administration and
enforcement of this chapter and the performance of its duties.

79659. The commission shall keep accurate books, records, and
accounts of all its dealings, which shall be subject to an annual
audit by an auditing firm selected by the commission with the
concurrence of the secretary. A summary of the audit shall be
reported to all producers and a copy of the summary shall also be
submitted to 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.

79660. The commission may educate and instruct beekeepers, the
general public, and government on all matters concerning the health
and welfare of honeybees and the beekeeping industry.

79661. The commission may conduct market surveys and analyses, and
present facts to, and negotiate with, state, federal, and foreign
agencies on matters that affect the health and welfare of bees, and
the beekeeping industry, and on matters that affect this chapter, to
the extent permitted by federal law.

79662. The commission may conduct, and contract with others to
conduct, research, including the study, analysis, accumulation, and
dissemination of information obtained from that research or
otherwise, which the commission deems will or may benefit the health
and welfare of honeybees and the beekeeping industry.

79663. The commission may accept contributions or matching private,
state, or federal funds, and employ or make contributions of funds
to other persons or state or federal agencies, for purposes of
carrying out this chapter.

79664. The commission may publish and distribute, without charge,
bulletins or other communications for the dissemination of
information to beekeepers.

79665. The commission shall establish an assessment rate to defray
the operating costs of the commission.

79666. The commission shall adopt an annual budget according to
generally accepted accounting practices. The secretary shall concur
in the adoption of the budget prior to the encumbrance of funds,
except for encumbrances necessary to pay the compensation of
employees of the commission.

79667. The commission shall submit to the secretary, for his or her
concurrence, an annual statement of contemplated activities
authorized pursuant to this chapter.

79668. The commission may 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.