(a) The commission may commence civil actions and utilize all remedies provided in law or equity for the collection of assessments and for obtaining a writ of attachment, specific performance, or injunctive relief regarding this chapter. The commission may seek a writ of attachment or injunctive relief, including, but not limited to, a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or a permanent injunction, in order to prevent any violation or threatened violation of this chapter.

(b) The commission shall provide notice to the person alleged to have violated this chapter prior to commencing a civil action.

Terms Used In California Food and Agricultural Code 55112

  • Attachment: A procedure by which a person's property is seized to pay judgments levied by the court.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • County: includes city and county. See California Food and Agricultural Code 29
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Injunction: An order of the court prohibiting (or compelling) the performance of a specific act to prevent irreparable damage or injury.
  • Person: means any individual, partnership, association, corporation, limited liability company, or any organized group of persons whether incorporated or not. See California Food and Agricultural Code 38
  • Secretary: means the Secretary of Food and Agriculture. See California Food and Agricultural Code 35
  • Temporary restraining order: Prohibits a person from an action that is likely to cause irreparable harm. This differs from an injunction in that it may be granted immediately, without notice to the opposing party, and without a hearing. It is intended to last only until a hearing can be held.
  • Venue: The geographical location in which a case is tried.
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.

(c) A court shall issue to the commission any requested writ of attachment or injunctive relief upon a prima facie showing by verified complaint that a named defendant has violated, or has threatened to violate, this chapter. No bond shall be required to be posted by the commission as a condition for the issuance of the requested writ of attachment or injunctive relief.

(d) A writ of attachment shall be issued pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 485.010) of Title 6.5 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, except that the showing specified in Section 485.010 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall not be required. Injunctive relief shall be issued pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, except that the showing of irreparable harm or inadequate remedy at law specified in Sections 526 and 527 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall not be required.

(e) Upon entry of any final judgment on behalf of the commission against any defendant, the court shall enjoin the defendant from conducting any type of business regarding rice until there is full compliance and satisfaction of the judgment. Venue for these actions may be established at the domicile or place of business of the defendant or in the county of the principal place of business of the commission. The commission may be sued only in the county of its principal office.

(f) Prior to bringing an action for injunctive relief pursuant to this section, the commission shall review all available information, recommend specific enforcement action to the secretary, and allow the secretary the opportunity to respond. Notwithstanding the secretary’s response, nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the commission from bringing the action.

(Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 414, Sec. 29. Effective January 1, 2009.)