BILL NUMBER: AB 1488 INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Hall FEBRUARY 27, 2009 An act relating to public health. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 1488, as introduced, Hall. Public health: food justice. Existing law requires the Department of Food and Agriculture, headed by the Secretary of Food and Agriculture, to promote and protect the agricultural industry of the state. This bill would require, by July 1, 2010, the Department of Food and Agriculture, in consultation with the State Department of Public Health and the State Department of Social Services, to provide recommendations to the Legislature regarding actions that need to be taken to promote food justice in the state. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following: (a) Access to healthy food is a basic human right. (b) Communities are enriched by diverse food experiences. (c) The production and preparation of food needs to be conducted in a healthy and humane manner. (d) Agricultural lands need to be protected for future generations. (e) Opportunities for urban farm stands, farmers' markets, and direct farmer to consumer marketing activities in underserved communities should be actively pursued. SEC. 2. By July 1, 2010, the Department of Food and Agriculture, in consultation with the State Department of Public Health and the State Department of Social Services, shall provide recommendations to the Legislature regarding actions that need to be taken to promote food justice in the state.