AB 958 Summary

• Reorganizes the California Avocado Commission to allow 3-5 districts (instead of fixed 5) with each district electing producers based on district count, reducing total producers from 10 to 8-9 members.

• Modifies handler member representation from 4 individual alternates to 2 alternate handler members, each serving as alternate to 2 handler members.

• Expands the California Salmon Council to include handlers as subject members upon referendum approval, increasing voting membership from 9 to 11 when handlers become subject to the act.

• Establishes referendum procedures for handlers to vote on whether to become subject to salmon assessment fees and council membership, with sales collected from handlers designated for council purposes.

• Requires continuation referenda every 5 years (starting January-February 2019) for both fishermen and handlers to determine if the Salmon Council program should continue operation.