76281-76298

FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL CODE
SECTION 76281-76298




76281.  The powers and duties of the commission shall include, but
are not limited to, all of those contained in this article.



76282.  The commission may adopt and from time to time alter,
rescind, modify, and amend all proper and necessary bylaws, rules,
regulations, operating procedures, and orders for carrying out this
chapter, including rules for appeals from any bylaw, rule,
regulation, operating procedure, or order of the commission.



76283.  The commission may administer and enforce this chapter and
to do and perform all acts and exercise all powers incidental to, or
in connection with, or deemed reasonably necessary for proper or
advisable effectuation of this chapter. The commission's authority
includes, but is not limited to, entering into contracts for services
with public and private agencies which are deemed necessary by the
commission to carry out this chapter.



76284.  The commission may appoint its own officers, including a
chairman, one or more vice chairmen, and such other officers as it
deems necessary. The officers shall have the powers and duties
delegated to them by the commission.


76285.  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 the provisions of this chapter. The commission may
retain a management firm or the staff from any board, commission, or
committee of the state to perform the functions prescribed by this
section under the control of the commission. If the person engages in
any conduct which the director determines is not in the public
interest or which is in violation of this chapter, the director shall
notify the commission of the conduct and request that corrective
and, if appropriate, disciplinary action be taken by the commission.
In the event that the commission fails or refuses to correct the
situation or to take disciplinary action satisfactory to the
director, the director may suspend or discharge the person.



76286.  The commission may fix the compensation for all employees of
the commission.



76287.  The commission may appoint committees composed of both
members and nonmembers of the commission including, but not limited
to, a committee of handlers, to advise the commission in carrying out
this chapter.


76288.  The commission may establish offices, incur expenses, enter
into any and all contracts and agreements, 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.




76289.  The commission shall keep accurate books, records, and
accounts of all of its dealings, which shall be subject to an annual
audit by an auditing firm selected by the commission with the
concurrence of the director. A summary of the audit shall be made a
part of an annual report to all producers, copies of which shall also
be submitted to the Legislature and the department. In addition, the
director may, as he or she determines necessary, conduct or cause to
be conducted a fiscal and compliance audit of the commission.



76290.  The commission may promote the sale of lamb, wool, and the
products derived therefrom by advertising and other promotional
means, including cost-sharing advertising, for the purpose of
maintaining and expanding present markets and creating new and larger
intrastate, interstate, and foreign markets for lamb and wool, and
to educate and instruct the public with respect to the many and
varied uses of lamb, wool, and the products derived therefrom.



76291.  The commission may educate and instruct the wholesale and
retail trade with respect to proper methods of handling and selling
wool.


76291.3.  The commission may make market surveys and analyses.



76291.5.  The commission may present facts to, and negotiate with,
state, federal, and foreign agencies on matters which affect this
chapter.


76292.  The commission may make, in its name, contracts to render
service in formulating and conducting plans and programs and any
other contracts or agreements that the commission may deem necessary
for carrying out the purposes of this chapter.




76293.  The commission may conduct, and contract with others to
conduct, research, including the study, analysis, dissemination, and
accumulation of information obtained from the research or elsewhere,
regarding this chapter. The results of any research conducted by or
on behalf of the commission may be used by the commission in any way
it deems appropriate, and notwithstanding any other provision of law,
may be maintained in confidence by the commission and not
disseminated to any person not subject to this chapter.



76293.5.  The commission may accept contributions of, or match
private, state, or federal funds, and employ or make contributions of
funds to other persons or state or federal agencies for purposes of
promoting, enhancing, and maintaining sheep industry.




76294.  The commission may collect information, including, but not
limited to, industry statistics, and may publish and distribute,
without charge, a bulletin or other communication for dissemination
of information to producers and handlers.




76295.  The commission may establish an assessment rate to defray
operating costs of the commission.



76296.  The commission may establish an annual budget according to
accepted accounting practices. The budget shall be concurred in by
the director prior to disbursement of funds, except for disbursements
made pursuant to Section 76286.


76297.  The commission may submit to the director, for his or her
concurrence, an annual statement of contemplated activities
authorized pursuant to this chapter.



76298.  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.