(a) In adopting regulations pursuant to this chapter, the director shall accept the recommendations of the advisory committee whenever he or she finds them to be practicable and in the interests of the avocado industry and the public. The director shall provide the committee with a written statement of reasons within 15 working days, whenever he or she does not accept the committee recommendation.

(b) In the case of recommendations involving enforcement actions based on actual or alleged violations of this chapter, the committee by majority vote may bring an action for injunctive relief as provided for in Section 44974, retain private legal counsel for this purpose, and use fees provided for under this chapter to pay all reasonable fees and costs incurred in bringing the action. However, legal fees and costs incurred in each separate action which exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) shall not be paid unless concurred in by the director. Prior to commencing this action, the committee must review all available information, recommend specific enforcement action to the director, and allow the director the opportunity to respond as provided for in this section. Notwithstanding the director’s response, nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the committee from bringing an action for injunctive relief.

(Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 141, Sec. 19. Effective March 31, 1982.)