BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 1642 Page 1 ASSEMBLY THIRD READING AB 1642 (Chesbro) As Introduced February 11, 2014 Majority vote AGRICULTURE 6-0 APPROPRIATIONS 16-0 ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Ayes:|Eggman, Olsen, Dahle, |Ayes:|Gatto, Bigelow, | | |Pan, | |Bocanegra, Bradford, Ian | | |Quirk, Yamada | |Calderon, Campos, Eggman, | | | | |Gomez, Holden, Jones, | | | | |Linder, Pan, Quirk, | | | | |Ridley-Thomas, Wagner, | | | | |Weber | |-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------| | | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY : Extends the Pierce's Disease (PD) and Glassy-winged Sharpshooter (GWSS) Board (board) from 2016 to 2021, upon a positive referendum vote; requires the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to establish a referendum by April 15, 2015; and, makes conforming and technical changes. FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, this is a one-time cost to CDFA of approximately $50,000 to conduct the referendum, paid for by industry, and an annual cost of $21 million for the program and Board activities, paid for by industry and federal funds. COMMENTS : In the late 1990s, PD threatened to cause damage to grapes due to the arrival of GWSS. GWSS carries the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which causes PD in grapes, almonds, oleander, and citrus fruits. When a plant develops PD, its ability to draw in moisture is hindered and the plant will either die or become unproductive. In response, the Legislature enacted a legislative package that created the advisory task force on PD issues in 1999. In 2001, the program was created by AB 1394 (Wiggins), Chapter 103, Statutes of 2001, to fight the spread and find solutions for PD and GWSS. The program is funded from federal and industry funds, and grape grower's assessments. AB 1642 Page 2 According to the author's office, the program is a successful effort to control the spread of PD and GWSS. While the program is due to end in 2016, PD is still a threat. By extending the operation date, the program can continue to fight the spread of PD and GWSS, with a positive referendum vote by wine grape growers. Supporters state that the intergovernmental and industry coordination through this program has proven to be a good model for pest control programs. By extending the research funding of the program to include other significant pests and diseases threatening California grape growers, California will be able to fight other significant pests to California grapes. There is no opposition on file. Analysis Prepared by : Victor Francovich / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084 FN: 0003620