California Assembly Bill AB3013

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/20

Caption

Agriculture: commercial feed.

Impact

AB3013's adjustments will retain the pre-existing structure of the inspection tonnage tax while potentially providing a clearer understanding for those involved in the commercial feed industry. By reaffirming the established maximum tax rate and outlining that the implementation of the tax requires the secretary of the department to determine the specific revenue necessary, the bill aims to ensure that funds are effectively allocated to the appropriate regulatory needs without unnecessary burdens on feed distributors.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 3013, introduced by Assembly Member Cooper, aims to amend Section 15061 of the Food and Agricultural Code regarding commercial feed. The legislation addresses an existing framework for an inspection tonnage tax levied on commercial feed distribution in California, setting the maximum rate at $0.25 per ton. The funds generated from this tax are designated for the Department of Food and Agriculture Fund, which is continuously appropriated to facilitate the regulatory oversight of commercial feed in the state. The proposed amendments are primarily nonsubstantive in nature, focusing on clarity and consistency within the statutory language.

Contention

As the changes proposed by AB3013 are largely procedural and nonsubstantive, there appears to be limited contention surrounding the bill from stakeholders at this stage. Most stakeholders recognize the need for regulatory frameworks that support safe agricultural practices, though concerns may arise regarding the implementation details and the long-term financial implications for commercial feed distributors. By maintaining operational continuity in the inspection process, AB3013 attempts to address these concerns while ensuring that the agriculture sector remains compliant with state regulations.