BILL ANALYSIS
AB 219
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 219 (Ruskin)
As Introduced February 4, 2009
Majority vote
AGRICULTURE 8-0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
|Ayes:|Galgiani, Tom Berryhill, | | |
| |Arambula, Conway, Fuller, | | |
| |Ma, Mendoza, Yamada | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
| | | | |
-----------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY : Increases the civil penalties to every operator of a
motor vehicle from $1,000 to $2,500 per violation, for not
obtaining a certificate of inspection when entering the State of
California with a shipment of any agricultural commodity, and
makes technical, non-substantive changes.
EXISTING LAW requires every operator of a motor vehicle, upon
entering California with a shipment of any agricultural
commodity, to have the vehicle and the shipment inspected, and
requires that an inspection certificate be obtained. Failure to
obtain this certificate would result in a civil penalty of
$1,000 per violation. Statute directs the courts, in
determining the severity of the penalty, to consider any prior
violations of the same nature within the preceding 24-month
period, the commodity being transported, and evidence of
deviation of routes to avoid inspection.
FISCAL EFFECT : Legislative Counsel has keyed this bill as no
fiscal effect.
COMMENTS : According to the Center for Invasive Species Research
(CISR) at U.C. Riverside: "California agricultural losses to
exotic pests exceed $3 billion annually." They say that every
60 days, California gains a new and potentially damaging
invasive species. Our state's unique climate and geography
provides the diverse ecosystems which are perfect for new pests.
"CISR's researchers lead the way to determine how pests enter
California, where invading populations came from and why these
pests are successful in establishing California as their home."
There are over 45 different invasive species of pests currently
AB 219
Page 2
being studied by the CISR. These pests are not only problems
for agricultural interests but are also a concern to the state's
environment, causing millions of dollars in damage. Invasive
plants, pests and exotic diseases affect all of California.
The inspection stations are the first line of defense in
preventing the introduction of an exotic or invasive pest, plant
or disease. The clich? that 'an ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure' is applicable. Inspection stations are that
ounce of prevention. Additionally, there are other avenues into
California, including sea ports, airports, postal and carrier
receiving sites, that also should be inspected. It is estimated
that the total cost needed for all inspections would approach
$100 million annually. Unfortunately, due to California's
fiscal situation, that has not been possible.
Due to fiscal constraints of the state, of these 16 boarder
stations, seven were reduced to part-time in the late 1990's and
all private vehicle inspections were discontinued at all
stations in July 2002. Since October 2008, all stations have
resumed 24 hour, seven days a week operations and private
vehicle inspection, except for the Friday furloughs established
by the Governor.
Any reduction in inspections have a direct increase in exposure
to California for the introduction of invasive/exotic pests,
plants or diseases that can harm the environment, lakes, rivers
and bays, forests, agriculture, and population.
Analysis Prepared by : Jim Collin / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084
FN: 0000224