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At the Colusa County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 24th, two important subjects were discussed, and we'd like to share them with you here:
First, Ag Commissioner Anastacia Allen presented an overview of AB 732, signed by Gavin Newsom on October 7, 2025, and effective January 1, 2026. The new law helps protect agriculture from pests and disease that can spread due to neglected properties, while giving County Agricultural Commissioners stronger tools to prioritize education and voluntary compliance before issuing penalties.
Under AB 732, willfully neglectful landowners will first be contacted and offered resources—such as UCCE and IPM guidance—to take good faith corrective action. If no action is taken within 30 days, civil penalties of up to $500 per acre may apply, increasing to up to $1,000 per acre after 45 days. Collected penalties will be placed in a county ‘trust fund’ within the budget to support local pest mitigation efforts. The law streamlines and replaces the previous lengthy lien process, strengthens notice and due process requirements, and includes a sunset date of January 1, 2035.
Second, Supervisors discussed the future of Colusa Medical Center. Given our rural setting and the risks associated with the agricultural industry, many feel it is essential for the County to retain at least some level of control over the medical campus to ensure continued access to care.
With uncertainty surrounding a potential transition, the Supervisors has tabled further discussion until its March 10 meeting. Community members are strongly encouraged to attend, share their concerns and perspectives, and ask questions of both county representatives and American Advanced Management, which also owns Glenn Medical Center.
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