AB 2345

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law governs fairs and expositions in this state, including the California Exposition and State Fair, county and district fairs, and citrus fruit fairs. Existing law divides the state into agricultural districts and authorizes 50 or more persons who are residents of a district to form district agricultural associations for the purpose of holding fairs, expositions, and exhibitions, as specified. Existing law provides that district agricultural associations are state institutions and are governed by a board of directors whose members are appointed by the Governor. Existing law authorizes an association to carry out specified duties with the approval of the Department of Food and Agriculture and the Department of General Services, including contracting and leasing its real property. Existing law establishes the Fair and Exposition Fund. Existing law provides for the deposit of various funds, including license fees from various activities related to horse racing, including satellite wagering, into the fund. Existing law authorizes the Department of Food and Agriculture to make and administer loans from the fund to any fair in the network of California fairs, as specified. This bill would establish the California Fair Network Commission as a separate, independent nonprofit mutual benefit corporation to assess the fairs fees for service and administrative oversight, as specified. The bill would authorize the commission to employ staff who are employees of the commission and would require the commission to adopt procedures concerning the operation of the commission. The bill would set forth a related statement of legislative findings and declarations.