(a) Handlers of dates who are not subject to this chapter on the date it becomes operative pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 77811) may petition the commission to establish an additional district or districts composed of one or more counties that are not in District 1. If the petition is approved by a 2/3 vote of the membership of the commission, the secretary shall conduct an implementation vote of the handlers from those districts in accordance with Article 5 (commencing with Section 77811).
(b) If the secretary certifies a favorable vote, all handlers from those districts shall be subject to this chapter. Thereafter, in accordance with procedures established by the commission, the number of handlers serving on the commission from each district shall be modified, if necessary, to ensure proper representation of each district. The commission shall not be composed of more than nine handlers.
(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 130, Sec. 31. Effective July 18, 1995.)