(a) The commission shall establish the assessment for the marketing season not later than September 1 of each year or as soon thereafter as is possible. The assessment shall not exceed ten cents ($0.10) per hundredweight for rice delivered to handlers by producers. Of the assessment, not more than five cents ($0.05) per hundredweight shall be assessed against handlers, and not more than five cents ($0.05) per hundredweight shall be assessed against producers. The assessment rate shall be the same for handlers and producers.
(b) An assessment greater than the amount specified in subdivision (a) may not be charged unless approved by a majority of the commission and by handlers and producers pursuant to procedures specified in Section 71101.
(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 567, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1999.)