BILL ANALYSIS Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary Senator Christine Kehoe, Chair 2376 (Huffman) Hearing Date: 08/02/2010 Amended: 07/15/2010 Consultant: Brendan McCarthy Policy Vote: NR&W 6-3 _________________________________________________________________ ____ BILL SUMMARY: AB 2376 requires the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to convene a committee to develop a strategic plan for the Department of Fish and Game. The bill requires the Governor or the committee to appoint a citizen taskforce and an advisory group to further this effort. _________________________________________________________________ ____ Fiscal Impact (in thousands) Major Provisions 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Fund Staff support and expenses $300 Special * * Fish and Game Preservation Fund. _________________________________________________________________ ____ STAFF COMMENTS: This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File. The Department of Fish and Game has statutory responsibility for managing and conserving the state's fish and wildlife, which are held in trust for the people of California. The Department regulates hunting and fishing, supports hunting and fishing activities, regulates activities that may impact wildlife habitat, and enforces various environmental laws and regulations. The Fish and Game Commission is made up of members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Commission has certain responsibilities relating to hunting and fishing and is authorized to develop general policies for the Department. AB 2376 directs the Secretary of the Natural Resources Committee to convene a committee to develop a strategic plan for the Department and the Commission. Members of the committee include the Secretary, the Director of Fish and Game, the president of the Commission, the Chair of the Energy Commission, a representative of the University of California, and representatives of the federal Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service, if they choose to participate. The bill lays out a series of issues to be considered as part of the development of the strategic plan, including programmatic, administrative, and fiscal issues. The bill requires the Governor or the committee to appoint a "blue ribbon" citizen commission and a stakeholder advisory group to assist in the development of the strategic plan. Staff estimates the cost to support the committee and the blue ribbon commission will be about $300,000 primarily from the Fish and Game Preservation Fund.