BILL NUMBER: AB 2720	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Members John A. Perez and Bass
   (Coauthors: Assembly Members Galgiani and Hall)

                        FEBRUARY 19, 2010

   An act relating to public health.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 2720, as introduced, John A. Perez. Public health: food
justice.
   Existing law requires the Department of Food and Agriculture,
headed by the Secretary of Food and Agriculture, to promote and
protect the agricultural industry of the state.
   This bill would require, by July 1, 2011, the Department of Food
and Agriculture, in consultation with the State Department of Public
Health and the State Department of Social Services, to provide
recommendations to the Legislature regarding actions that need to be
taken to promote food justice in the state.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the
following:
   (a) Access to fresh and healthy food is a basic human right.
   (b) Communities are enriched by diverse food experiences.
   (c) The production and preparation of food needs to be conducted
in a healthy and humane manner.
   (d) Agricultural lands need to be protected for future
generations.
   (e) Opportunities for increasing grocery stores, urban farm
stands, farmers' markets, and direct farmer to consumer marketing
activities in underserved communities should be actively pursued.
  SEC. 2.  By July 1, 2011, the Department of Food and Agriculture,
in consultation with the State Department of Public Health and the
State Department of Social Services, shall provide recommendations to
the Legislature regarding actions that need to be taken to promote
food justice in the state.