(a) There is in the department an Industrial Hemp Advisory Board. The board shall consist of 13 members, appointed by the secretary as follows:

(1) Six of the board members shall be growers of industrial hemp that are registered pursuant to the provisions of this division.

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(2) Two of the board members shall be members of an established agricultural research institution.

(3) One member of the board shall be a representative as provided by the California State Sheriffs’ Association and approved by the secretary.

(4) One member of the board shall be a county agricultural commissioner.

(5) Two members of the board shall be representatives of businesses that sell industrial hemp products.

(6) One member of the board shall be a member of the public.

(b) It is hereby declared, as a matter of legislative determination, that growers and representatives of industrial hemp product manufacturers and businesses appointed to the board pursuant to this division are intended to represent and further the interest of a particular agricultural industry, and that the representation and furtherance is intended to serve the public interest. Accordingly, the Legislature finds that persons who are appointed to the board shall be subject to the conflict-of-interest provisions described in Sections 87100 and 87103 of the Government Code.

(c) The term of office for a member of the board is three years. If a vacancy exists, the secretary shall, consistent with the membership requirements described in subdivision (a), appoint a replacement member to the board for the duration of the term.

(d) A member of the board shall not receive a salary but may be reimbursed by the department for attendance at meetings and other board activities authorized by the board and approved by the secretary.

(e) The board shall advise the secretary and may make recommendations on all matters pertaining to this division, including, but not limited to, industrial hemp seed law and regulations, enforcement, annual budgets required to accomplish the purposes of this division, and the setting of an appropriate assessment rate necessary for the administration of this division.

(f) The board shall annually elect a chair from its membership and, from time to time, other officers as it deems necessary.

(g) The board shall meet at the call of its chair or the secretary, or at the request of any four members of the board. The board shall meet at least once a year to review budget proposals and fiscal matters related to the proposals.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 485, Sec. 3. (SB 292) Effective January 1, 2022.)