CA AB2378

Increased maximum criminal fines for rendering violations from $1,000 to $5,000 for first offenses and from $10,000 to $15,000 for repeat offenses or fraud-related violations.

Increased maximum civil penalties for rendering and inedible kitchen grease transporter violations from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation, and extended appeal period from 10 days to 20 days.

Extended record retention requirement from 1 year to 2 years for licensed renderers, collection center operators, and registered transporters of inedible kitchen grease.

Established minimum mandatory fines for record-keeping violations: $500 for first offense, $1,000 for second offense within one year, and $2,000 for third or subsequent offense within two years, with possible business suspension orders.

Authorized the Secretary of Food and Agriculture to file certified copies of final decisions with superior court to enter judgment for civil penalties without additional court fees.