AB-1848 • 2026

California Seed Law: annual registration fee.

Agriculture Budget

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Ransom
Last action: 2026-06-03
Official status: Referred to Com. on AGRI.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not specify the exact effective date for the fee increase from $40 to $100, so this detail was removed or adjusted in the final output.

California Seed Law: Annual Registration Fee

This law changes the annual registration fee for selling seeds in California from $40 to a maximum of $300, with increases possible after consultation with the Seed Advisory Board.

What This Bill Does

Changes the annual registration fee for selling seeds from $40 to $100 starting on July 1, 2027.
Allows the Secretary of Food and Agriculture to increase the fee by up to $50 each year after January 1, 2028, but not more than $300 total per fiscal year.
Requires the Secretary to consult with the Seed Advisory Board before changing the fees.

Who It Names or Affects

Seed sellers who register annually in California.

Terms To Know

Fiscal Year: A period of one year used for budgeting and financial reporting, starting on July 1 and ending June 30 in California.
Seed Advisory Board: A group that advises the Secretary of Food and Agriculture on issues related to seeds sold in California.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if a seller fails to pay the increased registration fee.
It is unclear how the additional funds collected will be used beyond supporting seed regulation efforts.

Bill History

2026-06-03 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on AGRI.
2026-05-21 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2026-05-21 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 66. Noes 1.)
2026-05-18 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2026-05-14 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (May 14).
2026-04-08 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
2026-03-26 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (March 25). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-02-23 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on AGRI.
2026-02-12 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 14.
2026-02-11 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1848, as introduced, Ransom.
California Seed Law: annual registration fee.
Existing law, the California Seed Law, regulates seed sold in California and requires every labeler of agricultural or vegetable seed offered for sale in this state or any persons who sell seed in this state, as provided, to annually register with the Secretary of Food and Agriculture to obtain authorization to sell the seed, except as provided. Existing law requires each application for annual registration to be accompanied by a payment of a $40 fee for each fiscal year or portion of a fiscal year beginning on July 1.
This bill would authorize the secretary, after consulting with the Seed Advisory Board, to increase that fee to $100. The bill would authorize the secretary, on and after January 1, 2028, to, after consulting with the board, annually increase the fee by up to $50, but not to exceed $300 total, for each fiscal year or portion of a
fiscal year beginning July 1.
Under existing law, the moneys collected pursuant to the seed law, including registration fees, assessments, and penalty revenues, are continuously appropriated to the Department of Food and Agriculture to carry out its provisions.
By authorizing the secretary to increase the amount of the annual registration fee, this bill would make an appropriation.

Current Bill Text

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