Fairs: state funding: classification.

Existing law governs the apportionment of state funds to fairs within the network of California fairs, which includes, in general, the California Exposition and State Fair, district agricultural association fairs, county fairs, and citrus fruit fairs. Existing law requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to annually classify these fairs, taking into consideration specified criteria, including criteria regarding the type and class of exhibitions, attendance, efficiency of management, and financial need. Existing law requires the department to annually request advice and recommendations for modification of these classifications from boards of directors of fairs. This bill would authorize, instead of require, the department to classify fairs. The bill would require the department to consider whether to classify or reclassify fairs at least once every 5 years. The bill would authorize, instead of require, the department to consider the above-described criteria and to consult with the boards of directors of fairs when making classifications. The bill would also repeal an obsolete provision.