CA AB219

Allows public officers from any area of government, whether elected or appointed, to serve as members of the State Board of Food and Agriculture.

Prohibits board members appointed under specified sections from participating in board actions involving themselves, entities where they serve as director/officer/employee, or entities in which they have a financial interest as defined by the Political Reform Act of 1974.

Increases civil penalties for failure to obtain required inspection certificates at plant quarantine inspection stations from $1,000 to $2,500 per violation for both vehicle operators and registered owners.

Requires courts to consider prior violations within 24 months, the commodity being transported, and evidence of intentional route deviation when determining penalty severity.

Exempts operators from inspection requirements when traveling 15+ miles off normal routes or when weather/road closures prevent access to the nearest inspection station.