BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 1642
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 1642 (Chesbro)
As Introduced February 11, 2014
Majority vote
AGRICULTURE 6-0 APPROPRIATIONS 16-0
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|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 |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
| | | | |
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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