(a) The authority of the department shall include, but is not limited to, requiring the California Exposition and State Fair to meet all applicable standards prescribed by the department.
(b) The department may delegate approval authority for matters as the department may determine to the Board of Directors of the California Exposition and State Fair if the fair complies with this section.
(c) Notwithstanding any other law, the department may assume all rights, duties, and powers of the Board of Directors of the California Exposition and State Fair if the department determines there is insufficient fiscal or administrative control. The board of directors shall again exercise these rights, duties, and powers when the department determines that the fair has been restored to solvency and is in compliance with this section.
(d) The department may petition a court of competent jurisdiction for an order appointing the department, or a person designated by the department, as a receiver if it determines that the California Exposition and State Fair is insolvent, or is in imminent danger of insolvency. The court shall appoint a receiver upon showing that the fair is insolvent or is in imminent danger of insolvency.
(e) For purposes of this section, “insolvency” means that the California Exposition and State Fair is unable to discharge its debts as they become due in the usual course of business.
(f) The General Fund and the Fairs and Exposition Fund shall be held harmless from any debts, liabilities, settlements, judgments, or liens incurred by the California Exposition and State Fair, including any deficiency in operating funds.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 559, Sec. 50. (AB 2143) Effective January 1, 2025.)