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AB 1848

California Seed Law: annual registration fee.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rhodesia Ransom

The bill raises the annual seed labeling/selling registration fee from $40 to $100, with phased future increases up to a $300 annual cap.

Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
#californiaseedlaw #annualregistrationfee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1848

Overview

AB 1848, introduced in the 2025-2026 California Legislative Session by Assembly Member Ransom, would modify the California Seed Law to adjust the annual registration fee for seed labelers and seed sellers. The bill also clarifies how the increased fee fits into the state’s appropriations.

Purpose and intent

  • Increase the annual registration fee required for labeling or selling agricultural or vegetable seed in California.
  • Establish a framework for planned, stepwise fee increases through 2027 and beyond, with annual adjustments possible thereafter.

Key provisions and changes

  • Current law: The annual registration fee is $40 for each fiscal year or portion thereof beginning July 1.
  • New authority (Section 52352(a)): The Secretary of Food and Agriculture, after consulting with the Seed Advisory Board, may increase the fee from $40 to $100 for each fiscal year or portion thereof beginning July 1.
  • Future increases (Section 52352(b)):
    • Starting January 1, 2028, the Secretary, after consulting with the Seed Advisory Board, may annually increase the fee by up to $50 for each fiscal year or portion thereof beginning July 1, with a hard cap of $300 total for any fiscal year or portion thereof.
  • Appropriation and funding:
    • The bill notes that the Seed Law revenues (registration fees, assessments, penalties) are continuously appropriated to the Department of Food and Agriculture to carry out its provisions. By authorizing fee increases, the bill itself makes explicit an appropriation mechanism to support the program.

Who is affected

  • Labelers of agricultural or vegetable seed offered for sale in California.
  • Persons who sell seed in California (as provided by existing seed labeling and selling requirements).
  • The Department of Food and Agriculture (implementation and administration of the seed law and registration program).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Fee increase path:
    • Initial increase to $100 can be implemented after consulting with the Seed Advisory Board.
    • From January 1, 2028 onward, annual increases up to $50 are allowed, not to exceed a $300 maximum for any given fiscal year.
  • Effective dates:
    • The current $40 baseline applies until an approved increase takes effect.
    • The bill contains two-stage potential increases: immediate adjustment to $100 (subject to board consultation) and subsequent annual adjustments beginning July 1 of each year after 2027, with a total cap of $300.
  • Legislative action history (brief): Referred to committees, reports of “Do pass,” and readings through May 2026, with ongoing consideration typical for a fiscal/appropriation measure.

Potential impact

  • Revenue: The state could see higher registration revenues for seed labelers and sellers, enabling enhanced enforcement and administration of seed labeling and sale in California.
  • Compliance: Higher fees may affect small seed businesses differently; the ability to spread increases over multiple years, up to a cap, provides some predictability.
  • Public administration: Clear authorization for fee adjustments, tied to consultation with the Seed Advisory Board, aligns funding with program needs and stakeholder input.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, industry stakeholders, or the general public) or add a brief comparison with current California Seed Law provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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