August 15, 2007

Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9005, we have reviewed the proposed initiative entitled “California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act” (File No. 07‑0028).

Major Provisions

Effective January 1, 2015, this statutory measure would prohibit with specified exceptions, the confinement on a farm of pigs, calves, and hens in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs. Under the measure, any person who violates this law is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment in county jail for up to six months.

Fiscal Effect

This measure would result in unknown, but probably minor, local and state costs for enforcement and prosecution of individuals charged with the new animal confinement offense. These costs would likely be partially offset by revenue from the collection of misdemeanor fines.

Summary

This measure would result in the following fiscal effect:

·        Probably minor local and state enforcement and prosecution costs, partly offset by increased fine revenue.

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