Except as provided in this article, the provisions of this division shall become effective on January 1, 2003, and shall become operative on December 31, 2004. However, the commissioner shall have the power and authority to implement the provisions of this division prior to December 31, 2004.

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 17, Sec. 18. Effective February 23, 2004. Note: This section prescribes the operative date (no later than Dec. 31, 2004) for provisions of Division 10, commencing with Section 23000. See also Stats. 2004, Ch. 17, Sec. 20.)