(a) This article shall become operative only upon a determination by the commissioner that the personnel positions needed to carry out the provisions of this article are in existence or have been authorized in the Budget Act of 2002 or a subsequent budget act.

(b) On and after January 1, 2003, the commissioner may accept applications from communications equipment vendors seeking licensure pursuant to this article. However, the commissioner shall not act upon the applications. If, prior to April 30, 2003, the commissioner receives 50 applications or less, the commissioner shall be deemed to have sufficient personnel to carry out the provisions of this article and this article shall immediately become operative.

(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 437, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003. Note: This section prescribes conditions for the operation of Article 16.1, commencing with Section 1758.6.)