In lieu of prosecution, the secretary, or a county agricultural commissioner under the authority of the secretary, may levy a civil penalty against a person or entity that violates this chapter in an amount not less than five hundred dollars ($500) and not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation. The amount of the penalty assessed for each violation shall be based upon the scope of the violation, the seriousness of the deception, and the impact of the penalty on the violator, including the deterrent effect on future violations. Subdivision (e) of Section 43003 shall apply to a fine or civil penalty levied pursuant to this section.

(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 579, Sec. 1. (AB 1871) Effective January 1, 2015.)