Existing law divides the state into agricultural districts, and provides for the management of these districts by district agricultural associations. Existing law requires the officers of the association to consist of a board of directors of 9 members, establishes a 4-year term of office for the directors, and requires the directors to be appointed by the Governor, as specified.

This bill would, if the Governor has not filled a vacancy on the board of directors within 90 days and the board of directors has insufficient membership to establish a quorum, authorize the board of directors to temporarily appoint a director to fill the vacancy and to establish a quorum, as provided. The bill would authorize the Governor to appoint a different director to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term who would replace the temporary director on the board of directors, as specified.

Existing law divides the state into agricultural districts, and provides for the management of these districts by district agricultural associations. Existing law requires the officers of the association to consist of a board of directors of 9 members, establishes a 4-year term of office for the directors, and requires the directors to be appointed by the Governor, as specified.

This bill would, if the Governor has not filled a vacancy on the board of directors within 90 days and the board of directors has insufficient membership to establish a quorum, authorize the board of directors to temporarily appoint a director to fill the vacancy and to establish a quorum, as provided. The bill would authorize the Governor to appoint a different director to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term who would replace the temporary director on the board of directors, as specified.

Existing law divides the state into agricultural districts, and provides for the management of these districts by district agricultural associations. Existing law requires the officers of the association to consist of a board of directors of 9 members, establishes a 4-year term of office for the directors, and requires the directors to be appointed by the Governor, as specified.

This bill would, if the Governor has not filled a vacancy on the board of directors within 90 days and the board of directors has insufficient membership to establish a quorum, authorize the board of directors to temporarily appoint a director to fill the vacancy and to establish a quorum, as provided. The bill would authorize the Governor to appoint a different director to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term who would replace the temporary director on the board of directors, as specified.

GOVERNOR'S VETO

GV Bill Id:AB 2588

Author:(Hadwick and Ransom)

As Enrolled Ver:September 3, 2026

2/3 vote

SUMMARY

This bill would, if the Governor has not filled a vacancy on a Fair board within 90 days and the board of directors (BOD) has insufficient membership to establish a quorum, allow the BOD to temporarily appoint a director to fill the vacancy and to establish a quorum, as provided. Furthermore, this bill would authorize the Governor to appoint a different director to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term who would replace the temporary director on the board of directors, as specified.

Senate Amendments

Are technical and change the phrase "a director temporarily appointed…" to read, "a temporary director appointed…"

Governor's Veto Message

This bill would allow a District Agricultural Association (DAA) board of directors, in cases where the Governor has not filled a vacancy within 90 days and the DAA board has insufficient membership to establish a quorum, to temporarily appoint a director to fill the vacancy and to establish a quorum.

I share the author's goal of ensuring a DAA has sufficient appointees to conduct business, which is why my office engages with local community groups and leaders to seek recommendations and recruit candidates to serve on these boards. This process includes a thorough vetting to ensure that appointees reflect the community and are the most qualified to serve. This bill would create a temporary appointment process outside this standard vetting framework, raising accountability and oversight concerns as decisions are made regarding these state properties. I encourage the author and interested stakeholders to continue discussions with my office to continue to build this pool of potential appointees to be vetted through the appropriate process.

COMMENTS

There are 54 statutory DAAs, of which 52 are active, and 41 operate on state owned lands. They hold various activities on their sites, such as fairs, day care operations, fund raising and commercial events. DAAs in some areas provide the only event space for the local community. DAA budgets run from several hundred thousand dollars to over ten million dollars. Only a few DAAs are self-sustaining, most are not.

California's fairs operate under the guidelines of CDFA's Division of Fairs and Expositions. Collectively they host events that are attended by nearly ten million Californians and tourists annually. In addition to hosting enriching events, fairgrounds play a critical role during emergencies by serving as evacuation centers and providing housing after natural disasters.

DAA boards are responsible for overseeing fairgrounds operations, agricultural programming, financial management, and the hosting of annual fairs and community events. When vacancies occur on these boards, the positions must be filled through the gubernatorial appointment process.

In practice, vacancies may remain unfilled for extended periods. Because the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act requires a majority of the board to be present to conduct official business, a board with multiple vacancies may be unable to reach the quorum necessary to act. In such circumstances, boards may be unable to approve contracts, authorize expenditures, or take other actions necessary to operate a fair. Some fair boards have operated with fewer than five members for extended periods of time. For example, the Nevada County Fair board was unable to establish a quorum for more than two years while waiting for appointments to be made.

According to the Author

This bill provides a limited and practical solution by allowing a fair board to temporarily appoint a director when a vacancy has remained unfilled for 90 days and the board cannot otherwise reach quorum.

Arguments in Support

The Regional Council of Rural Counties writes in support that, "AB 2588 provides a temporary bridging mechanism when gaps occur but does not subvert the gubernatorial appointments process. This can help ensure continuous operations and support fairs as they fulfill their obligations as economic, public safety, and cultural centers throughout California."

Arguments in Opposition

None on File.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, this bill has negligible state costs.

VOTES

ASM AGRICULTURE: 8-0-0

YES: Soria, Hadwick, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Connolly, Jeff Gonzalez, Irwin, Ransom

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 14-0-1

YES: Wicks, Hoover, Arambula, Caloza, Dixon, Fong, Mark González, Krell, Muratsuchi, Pacheco, Pellerin, Solache, Ta, Tangipa

ABS, ABST OR NV: Calderon

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 68-0-12

YES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Boerner, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Elhawary, Ellis, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

ABS, ABST OR NV: Arambula, Berman, Bonta, Dixon, Flora, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Papan, Celeste Rodriguez, Schiavo

SENATE FLOOR: 40-0-0

YES: Allen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Arreguín, Ashby, Becker, Blakespear, Cabaldon, Caballero, Cervantes, Choi, Cortese, Dahle, Durazo, Gonzalez, Grayson, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, McNerney, Menjivar, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Pérez, Reyes, Richardson, Rubio, Seyarto, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Strickland, Umberg, Valladares, Wahab, Weber Pierson, Wiener

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0-1

YES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

ABS, ABST OR NV: Lee

UPDATED

VERSION: September 3, 2026

CONSULTANT: Jim Houston / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084 FN: 0004582

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:AB 2588

Author:(Hadwick and Ransom)

As Amended Ver:June 3, 2026

Majority vote

SUMMARY

This bill would, if the Governor has not filled a vacancy on a Fair board within 90 days and the board of directors (BOD) has insufficient membership to establish a quorum, allow the BOD to temporarily appoint a director to fill the vacancy and to establish a quorum, as provided. Furthermore, this bill would authorize the Governor to appoint a different director to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term who would replace the temporary director on the board of directors, as specified.

Senate Amendments

Are technical and change the phrase "a director temporarily appointed…" to read, "a temporary director appointed…"

COMMENTS

There are 54 statutory DAAs, of which 52 are active, and 41 operate on state owned lands. They hold various activities on their sites, such as fairs, day care operations, fund raising and commercial events. DAAs in some areas provide the only event space for the local community. DAA budgets run from several hundred thousand dollars to over ten million dollars. Only a few DAAs are self-sustaining, most are not.

California's fairs operate under the guidelines of CDFA's Division of Fairs and Expositions. Collectively they host events that are attended by nearly ten million Californians and tourists annually. In addition to hosting enriching events, fairgrounds play a critical role during emergencies by serving as evacuation centers and providing housing after natural disasters.

DAA boards are responsible for overseeing fairgrounds operations, agricultural programming, financial management, and the hosting of annual fairs and community events. When vacancies occur on these boards, the positions must be filled through the gubernatorial appointment process.

In practice, vacancies may remain unfilled for extended periods. Because the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act requires a majority of the board to be present to conduct official business, a board with multiple vacancies may be unable to reach the quorum necessary to act. In such circumstances, boards may be unable to approve contracts, authorize expenditures, or take other actions necessary to operate a fair. Some fair boards have operated with fewer than five members for extended periods of time. For example, the Nevada County Fair board was unable to establish a quorum for more than two years while waiting for appointments to be made.

According to the author, California's fairs are important cultural and economic institutions which support agricultural education, local businesses, and community events throughout the state. On the other hand, many fairgrounds also function as critical infrastructure during emergencies, providing staging areas for disaster response and as evacuation centers during crises, such as wildfires. Unfortunately, prolonged delays to filling vacancies on fair boards have left some boards unable to achieve the quorum required to conduct business under state law. When a board cannot meet quorum, it cannot take the actions necessary to operate a fair. This bill provides a limited and practical solution by allowing a fair board to temporarily appoint a director when a vacancy has remained unfilled for 90 days and the board cannot otherwise reach quorum. These temporary appointments must meet existing eligibility requirements and may be replaced immediately when the Governor makes an official appointment. This measure ensures that fairs can continue serving their communities while preserving the Governor’s authority over permanent appointments.

Supporters state DAA directors serve four-year terms and are often small business owners, educators, farmers, ranchers, or civic leaders. They ensure the fair serves the interests of the local community and that necessary investments are made to guarantee the fairgrounds are safe gathering places for all Californians.

This bill seeks to remedy this problem by allowing a district agricultural association board to temporarily appoint a director when a vacancy remains unfilled for 90 days and the vacancy prevents the board from achieving quorum.

According to the Author

This bill provides a limited and practical solution by allowing a fair board to temporarily appoint a director when a vacancy has remained unfilled for 90 days and the board cannot otherwise reach quorum.

Arguments in Support

The Regional Council of Rural Counties writes in support that, "AB 2588 provides a temporary bridging mechanism when gaps occur but does not subvert the gubernatorial appointments process. This can help ensure continuous operations and support fairs as they fulfill their obligations as economic, public safety, and cultural centers throughout California."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, this bill has negligible state costs.

VOTES:

ASM AGRICULTURE: 8-0-0

YES: Soria, Hadwick, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Connolly, Jeff Gonzalez, Irwin, Ransom

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 14-0-1

YES: Wicks, Hoover, Arambula, Caloza, Dixon, Fong, Mark González, Krell, Muratsuchi, Pacheco, Pellerin, Solache, Ta, Tangipa

ABS, ABST OR NV: Calderon

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 68-0-12

YES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Boerner, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Elhawary, Ellis, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

ABS, ABST OR NV: Arambula, Berman, Bonta, Dixon, Flora, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Papan, Celeste Rodriguez, Schiavo

SENATE FLOOR: 40-0-0

YES: Allen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Arreguín, Ashby, Becker, Blakespear, Cabaldon, Caballero, Cervantes, Choi, Cortese, Dahle, Durazo, Gonzalez, Grayson, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, McNerney, Menjivar, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Pérez, Reyes, Richardson, Rubio, Seyarto, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Strickland, Umberg, Valladares, Wahab, Weber Pierson, Wiener

UPDATED

VERSION: June 3, 2026

CONSULTANT: Jim Houston / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084 FN: 0004078

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:AB 2588

Author:(Hadwick and Ransom)

As Amended Ver:June 3, 2026

Majority vote

SUMMARY

This bill would, if the Governor has not filled a vacancy on a Fair board within 90 days and the board of directors (BOD) has insufficient membership to establish a quorum, allow the BOD to temporarily appoint a director to fill the vacancy and to establish a quorum, as provided. Furthermore, this bill would authorize the Governor to appoint a different director to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term who would replace the temporary director on the board of directors, as specified.

Senate Amendments

Are technical and change the phrase "a director temporarily appointed…" to read, "a temporary director appointed…"

COMMENTS

There are 54 statutory DAAs, of which 52 are active, and 41 operate on state owned lands. They hold various activities on their sites, such as fairs, day care operations, fund raising and commercial events. DAAs in some areas provide the only event space for the local community. DAA budgets run from several hundred thousand dollars to over ten million dollars. Only a few DAAs are self-sustaining, most are not.

California's fairs operate under the guidelines of CDFA's Division of Fairs and Expositions. Collectively they host events that are attended by nearly ten million Californians and tourists annually. In addition to hosting enriching events, fairgrounds play a critical role during emergencies by serving as evacuation centers and providing housing after natural disasters.

DAA boards are responsible for overseeing fairgrounds operations, agricultural programming, financial management, and the hosting of annual fairs and community events. When vacancies occur on these boards, the positions must be filled through the gubernatorial appointment process.

In practice, vacancies may remain unfilled for extended periods. Because the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act requires a majority of the board to be present to conduct official business, a board with multiple vacancies may be unable to reach the quorum necessary to act. In such circumstances, boards may be unable to approve contracts, authorize expenditures, or take other actions necessary to operate a fair. Some fair boards have operated with fewer than five members for extended periods of time. For example, the Nevada County Fair board was unable to establish a quorum for more than two years while waiting for appointments to be made.

According to the author, California's fairs are important cultural and economic institutions which support agricultural education, local businesses, and community events throughout the state. On the other hand, many fairgrounds also function as critical infrastructure during emergencies, providing staging areas for disaster response and as evacuation centers during crises, such as wildfires. Unfortunately, prolonged delays to filling vacancies on fair boards have left some boards unable to achieve the quorum required to conduct business under state law. When a board cannot meet quorum, it cannot take the actions necessary to operate a fair. This bill provides a limited and practical solution by allowing a fair board to temporarily appoint a director when a vacancy has remained unfilled for 90 days and the board cannot otherwise reach quorum. These temporary appointments must meet existing eligibility requirements and may be replaced immediately when the Governor makes an official appointment. This measure ensures that fairs can continue serving their communities while preserving the Governor’s authority over permanent appointments.

Supporters state DAA directors serve four-year terms and are often small business owners, educators, farmers, ranchers, or civic leaders. They ensure the fair serves the interests of the local community and that necessary investments are made to guarantee the fairgrounds are safe gathering places for all Californians.

This bill seeks to remedy this problem by allowing a district agricultural association board to temporarily appoint a director when a vacancy remains unfilled for 90 days and the vacancy prevents the board from achieving quorum.

According to the Author

This bill provides a limited and practical solution by allowing a fair board to temporarily appoint a director when a vacancy has remained unfilled for 90 days and the board cannot otherwise reach quorum.

Arguments in Support

The Regional Council of Rural Counties writes in support that, "AB 2588 provides a temporary bridging mechanism when gaps occur but does not subvert the gubernatorial appointments process. This can help ensure continuous operations and support fairs as they fulfill their obligations as economic, public safety, and cultural centers throughout California."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, this bill has negligible state costs.

VOTES:

ASM AGRICULTURE: 8-0-0

YES: Soria, Hadwick, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Connolly, Jeff Gonzalez, Irwin, Ransom

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 14-0-1

YES: Wicks, Hoover, Arambula, Caloza, Dixon, Fong, Mark González, Krell, Muratsuchi, Pacheco, Pellerin, Solache, Ta, Tangipa

ABS, ABST OR NV: Calderon

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 68-0-12

YES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Boerner, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Elhawary, Ellis, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

ABS, ABST OR NV: Arambula, Berman, Bonta, Dixon, Flora, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Papan, Celeste Rodriguez, Schiavo

UPDATED

VERSION: June 3, 2026

CONSULTANT: Jim Houston / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084 FN: 0004078

 CONSENT  

Bill No: AB 2588

Author: Hadwick (R) and Ransom (D), et al.

Amended: 6/3/26 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE: 4-0, 6/16/26

AYES: Caballero, Alvarado-Gil, McNerney, Padilla

NO VOTE RECORDED: Ashby

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 68-0, 4/16/26 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: District agricultural associations: board of directors: vacancies

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill would, if the Governor has not filled a vacancy on a Fair board within 90 days and the board of directors (BOD) has insufficient membership to establish a quorum, allow the BOD to temporarily appoint a director to fill the vacancy and to establish a quorum, as provided. Furthermore, this bill would authorize the Governor to appoint a different director to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term who would replace the temporary director on the board of directors, as specified.

ANALYSIS: Existing law:

1. Divides the state into agricultural districts and provides for the management of these districts by district agricultural associations. (Food and Agriculture code (FAC) § 3951).
2. Requires the officers of the association to consist of a BOD of 9 members, establishes a 4-year term of office for the directors, and requires the directors to be appointed by the Governor, as specified (FAC § 3959-3964).

This bill:

1. States if the Governor has not filled a vacancy on the board of directors within 90 days and the board of directors has insufficient membership to establish a quorum, the board of directors may temporarily appoint a director to fill the vacancy and to establish a quorum, consistent with the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). (FAC § 3959).

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 6/29/26)

California Fairs Alliance

Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC)

Shasta County Board of Supervisors

Western Fairs Association

OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/29/26)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author:

“California’s fairs are important cultural and economic institutions which support agricultural education, local businesses, and community events throughout the state. On the other hand, many fairgrounds also function as critical infrastructure during emergencies--providing staging areas for disaster response and as evacuation centers during crises, such as wildfires. Unfortunately, prolonged delays to filling vacancies on fair boards have left some boards unable to achieve the quorum required to conduct business under state law. When a board cannot meet quorum, it cannot take the actions necessary to operate a fair. Assembly Bill 2588 provides a limited and practical solution by allowing a fair board to temporarily appoint a director when a vacancy has remained unfilled for 90 days and the board cannot otherwise reach quorum. These

temporary appointments must meet existing eligibility requirements and may be replaced immediately when the Governor makes an official appointment. This measure ensures that fairs can continue serving their communities while preserving the Governor’s authority over permanent appointments.”

The California Fairs Alliance wrote in support of the bill stating, in part:

“California is home to 54 state-designated fairs, operated through District Agricultural Associations (DAAs). These fairs play a vital role in their communities by providing agricultural education, hosting cultural events, supporting local economies and serving as critical sites for emergency response and disaster preparedness. DAA boards are made up of nine directors; five directors are needed for votes to be taken for official actions and to approve financial investments. Unfortunately, there are many DAAs lacking a quorum. AB 2588 will ensure these fairs have the necessary quorum to conduct business and serve their local communities.

DAA directors serve four-year terms and are often small business owners, educators, farmers, ranchers, or civic leaders. They ensure the fair serves the interests of the local community and that necessary investments are made to guarantee the fairgrounds are safe gathering places for all Californians.

For these reasons, we support AB 2588 and appreciate your ongoing efforts to help California’s Fair Network. If you or your staff have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION: None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 68-0, 4/16/26

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Boerner, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Elhawary, Ellis, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Arambula, Berman, Bonta, Dixon, Flora, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Papan, Celeste Rodriguez, Schiavo

Prepared by: Reichel Everhart / AGRI. / (916) 651-1508

7/1/26 16:55:19

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Senator Anna Caballero, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular

Bill No: AB 2588 Hearing Date: 6/16/26

Subject: District agricultural associations: board of directors: vacancies

SUMMARY

:

This bill would, if the Governor has not filled a vacancy on a Fair board within 90 days and the board of directors (BOD) has insufficient membership to establish a quorum, allow the BOD to temporarily appoint a director to fill the vacancy and to establish a quorum, as provided. Furthermore, this bill would authorize the Governor to appoint a different director to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term who would replace the temporary director on the board of directors, as specified.

BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW

:

Existing law:

1. Divides the state into agricultural districts and provides for the management of these districts by district agricultural associations. (Food and Agriculture code (FAC) 3951).
2. Requires the officers of the association to consist of a BOD of 9 members, establishes a 4-year term of office for the directors, and requires the directors to be appointed by the Governor, as specified (FAC 3959-3964).

PROPOSED LAW

:

This bill:

1. States if the Governor has not filled a vacancy on the board of directors within 90 days (Food and Agricultural Code Section 3959).

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author:

“California’s fairs are important cultural and economic institutions which support agricultural education, local businesses, and community events throughout the state. On the other hand, many fairgrounds also function as critical infrastructure during emergencies--providing staging areas for disaster response and as evacuation centers during crises, such as wildfires. Unfortunately, prolonged delays to filling vacancies on fair boards have left some boards unable to achieve the quorum required to conduct business under state law. When a board cannot meet quorum, it cannot take the actions necessary to operate a fair. Assembly Bill 2588 provides a limited and practical solution by allowing a fair board to temporarily appoint a director when a vacancy has remained unfilled for 90 days and the board cannot otherwise reach quorum. These

temporary appointments must meet existing eligibility requirements and may be replaced immediately when the Governor makes an official appointment. This measure ensures that fairs can continue serving their communities while preserving the Governor’s authority over permanent appointments.”

The California Fairs Alliance wrote in support of the bill stating, in part:

“California is home to 54 state-designated fairs, operated through District Agricultural Associations (DAAs). These fairs play a vital role in their communities by providing agricultural education, hosting cultural events, supporting local economies and serving as critical sites for emergency response and disaster preparedness. DAA boards are made up of nine directors; five directors are needed for votes to be taken for official actions and to approve financial investments. Unfortunately, there are many DAAs lacking a quorum. AB 2588 will ensure these fairs have the necessary quorum to conduct business and serve their local communities.

DAA directors serve four-year terms and are often small business owners, educators, farmers, ranchers, or civic leaders. They ensure the fair serves the interests of the local community and that necessary investments are made to guarantee the fairgrounds are safe gathering places for all Californians.

For these reasons, we support AB 2588 and appreciate your ongoing efforts to help California’s Fair Network. If you or your staff have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION:

None received

PRIOR ACTIONS

:

SUPPORT

:

California Fairs Alliance
Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC)
Shasta County Board of Supervisors
Western Fairs Association

OPPOSITION

:

None received

-- END --

Date of Hearing: April 8, 2026

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Buffy Wicks, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2588

Author:(Hadwick) – As Introduced Ver:February 20, 2026

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill authorizes the board of directors of a district agricultural association (DAA) to temporarily appoint a director to fill the vacancy and to establish a quorum, as specified, if the Governor has not filled a vacancy on the board within 90 days and the board has insufficient membership to establish a quorum.

In addition, this bill provides that:

1) The term of office for a director temporarily appointed pursuant to this bill shall be consistent with Section 3960 of the Food and Agriculture Code (that is, four years from the beginning of the term), except that the Governor may appoint a different director to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term upon which the temporary director shall no longer be on the board of directors.

2) Any eligibility requirements imposed pursuant to Chapter 3 of the Food and Agriculture Code shall apply to a temporary director appointed pursuant to this bill.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Minor and absorbable state costs.

COMMENTS:

1) Purpose. According to the author:

Unfortunately, prolonged delays to filling vacancies on fair boards have left some boards unable to achieve the quorum required to conduct business under state law. When a board cannot meet quorum, it cannot take the actions necessary to operate a fair.

Assembly Bill 2588 provides a limited and practical solution by allowing a fair board to temporarily appoint a director when a vacancy has remained unfilled for 90 days and the board cannot otherwise reach quorum. These temporary appointments must meet existing eligibility requirements and may be replaced immediately when the Governor makes an official appointment. This measure ensures that fairs can continue serving their communities while preserving the Governor’s authority over permanent appointments.

2) Background. According to a 2023 report by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), California has one of the nation’s largest fair networks. The network consists of 79 fairs that operate under a variety of governance structures, such as state institutions (DAAs), counties, and non-profits – collectively known as “state-designated fairs.” CDFA provides fiscal and policy oversight for the network. Fairs are most known for their annual fairs but they also operate year-round, offering agricultural education and environmental leadership and hosting smaller events like trade shows, concerts, and private events that generate millions of dollars in state and local revenues to cover the fairs’ operational needs. Many fairs are also part of the state’s emergency response network.

This bill is supported by the Western Fairs Association (WFA), the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), and the California Emergency Response Resiliency Venues and Fairgrounds Association. According to RCRC, county fair facilities and the DAAs serve critical functions across California, yet funding has dropped dramatically for these sites with the loss of horse racing license fees in 2009, and the elimination of a continuous appropriation from the state at the end of 2011. Additionally, RCRC writes, these boards operate under the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act and require gubernatorial appointments, “which means that quorums may not occur for months or years at a time. This can stall maintenance and operations, capital projects, and funding requests that are subject to board approval.” WFA writes that DAA directors serve four-year terms and are often small business owners, educators, farmers, ranchers, or civic leaders: “They ensure the fair serves the interests of the local community and that necessary investments are made to guarantee the fairgrounds are safe gathering places for all Californians.”

Supporters contend this bill ensures fairs have the necessary quorums to conduct business and serve their local communities.

Analysis Prepared by: Nikita Koraddi / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: March 25, 2026

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Esmeralda Soria, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2588

Author:(Hadwick) – As Introduced Ver:February 20, 2026

SUBJECT: District agricultural associations: board of directors: vacancies

SUMMARY: This bill would, if the Governor has not filled a vacancy on a Fair board within 90 days and the board of directors (BOD) has insufficient membership to establish a quorum, allow the BOD to temporarily appoint a director to fill the vacancy and to establish a quorum, as provided. Furthermore, this bill would authorize the Governor to appoint a different director to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term who would replace the temporary director on the board of directors, as specified.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Divides the state into agricultural districts and provides for the management of these districts by district agricultural associations. (Food and Agriculture code (FAC) 3951))
   
2. Requires the officers of the association to consist of a BOD of 9 members, establishes a 4-year term of office for the directors, and requires the directors to be appointed by the Governor, as specified. (FAC 3959-3964)

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown

COMMENTS: There are 54 statutory DAAs, of which 52 are active, and 41 operate on state owned lands. They hold various activities on their sites, such as fairs, day care operations, fund raising and commercial events. DAAs in some areas provide the only event space for the local community. DAA budgets run from several hundred thousand dollars to over ten million dollars. Only a few DAAs are self-sustaining, most are not.

California’s fairs operate under the guidelines of CDFA’s Division of Fairs and Expositions. Collectively they host events that are attended by nearly ten million Californians and tourists annually. In addition to hosting enriching events, fairgrounds play a critical role during emergencies by serving as evacuation centers and providing housing after natural disasters.

DAA boards are responsible for overseeing fairgrounds operations, agricultural programming, financial management, and the hosting of annual fairs and community events. When vacancies occur on these boards, the positions must be filled through the gubernatorial appointment process.

In practice, vacancies may remain unfilled for extended periods. Because the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act requires a majority of the board to be present to conduct official business, a board with multiple vacancies may be unable to reach the quorum necessary to act. In such circumstances, boards may be unable to approve contracts, authorize expenditures, or take other actions necessary to operate a fair. Some fair boards have operated with fewer than five members for extended periods of time. For example, the Nevada County Fair board was unable to establish a quorum for more than two years while waiting for appointments to be made.

According to the author, California’s fairs are important cultural and economic institutions which support agricultural education, local businesses, and community events throughout the state. On the other hand, many fairgrounds also function as critical infrastructure during emergencies, providing staging areas for disaster response and as evacuation centers during crises, such as wildfires. Unfortunately, prolonged delays to filling vacancies on fair boards have left some boards unable to achieve the quorum required to conduct business under state law. When a board cannot meet quorum, it cannot take the actions necessary to operate a fair. This bill provides a limited and practical solution by allowing a fair board to temporarily appoint a director when a vacancy has remained unfilled for 90 days and the board cannot otherwise reach quorum. These temporary appointments must meet existing eligibility requirements and may be replaced immediately when the Governor makes an official appointment. This measure ensures that fairs can continue serving their communities while preserving the Governor’s authority over permanent appointments.

Supporters state DAA directors serve four-year terms and are often small business owners, educators, farmers, ranchers, or civic leaders. They ensure the fair serves the interests of the local community and that necessary investments are made to guarantee the fairgrounds are safe gathering places for all Californians.

This bill seeks to remedy this problem by allowing a district agricultural association board to temporarily appoint a director when a vacancy remains unfilled for 90 days and the vacancy prevents the board from achieving quorum.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

California Emergency Response and Resiliency Venues and Fairgrounds (CERRVF)

Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC)

Western Fairs Association

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Victor Francovich / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084