California Table Grape Commission.

Assembly Member Solache's legislation restructures the California Table Grape Commission, modifying its membership from 21 producers and one public member to three producers from each of seven districts plus a public member appointed by the Secretary of Food and Agriculture. The bill establishes new procedures requiring the Commission to maintain and certify an annual list of eligible producers for voting purposes at least 30 days before commissioner nomination meetings.

The legislation expands the Commission's authority to accept and match external funding contributions, administer industry-related programs, and conduct research benefiting the table grape sector. It raises the maximum allowable assessment on fresh grape shipments from $0.006522 to $0.02 per pound, while maintaining an exemption for direct-to-consumer shipments under 150 pounds. The bill also implements a formal grievance process allowing producers to appeal Commission decisions to the Secretary of Food and Agriculture.

New provisions establish a two-year statute of limitations for both Commission enforcement actions and claims against the Commission. The legislation maintains the requirement for periodic referenda on the Commission's continuation, with specific thresholds for producer participation and approval. If the Commission is suspended, the bill outlines procedures for winding down operations and distributing remaining funds to programs benefiting the California table grape industry.