(a) Between January 1, 2019, and February 28, 2019, and in the same period each five years thereafter, the secretary shall, by the public hearing procedure, and if appropriate, the procedure specified in this article, determine whether the council program provided for in this chapter shall continue in effect.
(b) If the secretary finds from evidence received at the hearing that a substantial question exists as to whether the council program is contrary to or does not effectuate the declared purposes or provisions of this chapter or receives in writing a referendum petition with the signatures of 25 percent or more of the number of commercial salmon vessel operators who made landings in the previous year, as evidenced by receipts prepared under Section 8043 of the Fish and Game Code, and, if applicable, 25 percent or more of the handlers who are subject to this chapter, the council program shall be submitted to referendum as provided in this article.
(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 307, Sec. 57. (AB 958) Effective January 1, 2016.)