64301.5. Maximum allowable assessments greater than those provided in Section 64301 shall not be established unless approved by producers and handlers with at least 40 percent of all producers and handlers on record with the department submitting valid ballots during the referendum period, and either of the following:(a) A majority of producers and handlers voting in the referendum support the increase in the proposed higher maximum assessment allowed, and those producers and handlers voting in favor represent at least 65 percent of the total voted volume represented by each category.(b) At least 65 percent of producers and handlers voting in the referendum support the increase in the proposed higher maximum assessment allowed, and those producers and handlers voting in favor represent a majority of the total voted volume represented by each category.(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 371, Sec. 16. (AB 425) Effective January 1, 2022.)