BILL NUMBER: SB 1179	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Hollingsworth

                        FEBRUARY 18, 2010

   An act to add Section 3040 to the Fish and Game Code, relating to
hunting.



	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1179, as introduced, Hollingsworth. Free hunting days.
   Existing law generally requires a license to take a bird or
mammal. Existing law requires the Department of Fish and Game to
issue licenses, upon payment of a fee, to eligible California
residents and nonresidents, as specified.
   This bill would require the department to establish 2 free hunting
days per year. The bill would permit a California resident who does
not possess a hunting license to hunt if accompanied by a person who
holds a valid hunting license and if the unlicensed hunter remains in
the field of vision of the licensed hunter at all times. The bill
would authorize the department to require to demonstrate the safe
operation of the firearm he or she intends to use prior to being
authorized to participate in a free hunting day.
   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 finds and declares the following:
   (a) Hunters and fishermen, as the stewards of California wildlife,
have a long tradition of supporting California's natural resources
and wildlife through their efforts to enhance habitat and protect
species.
   (b) Hunters and fishermen fund the Department of Fish and Game
through their purchase of hunting and fishing licenses.
   (c) Two free fishing days exist under California law, and it is
the intent of the Legislature that two free hunting days be
established to permit California residents to engage in hunting under
certain conditions.
  SEC. 2.  Section 3040 is added to the Fish and Game Code, to read:
   3040.  (a) The commission, in consultation with the department,
shall designate two days per year as "Free Hunting Days." One free
hunting day shall be established during the fall hunting season, and
the other free hunting day shall be established during the winter
hunting season. The exact dates of the free hunting days shall be
published in the annual hunting regulations.
   (b) During a free hunting day, a California resident who does not
possess a valid hunting license may hunt if accompanied by a hunter
who holds a valid hunting license issued by the State of California,
provided that the unlicensed hunter is under the direct visual
supervision of the licensed hunter at all times. A licensed hunter
may accompany more than one unlicensed hunter.
   (c) The department may require an unlicensed hunter, prior to
being authorized to participate in a free hunting day, to demonstrate
the safe operation of the firearm he or she intends to use. The
authorized individuals who may evaluate whether the unlicensed hunter
properly demonstrated the safe operation of a firearm are federally
licensed firearms dealers with a State Certificate of Eligibility, an
employee of such a federally licensed dealer, a Hunter Education
Instructor certified by the department, or a licensed hunter who has
held a valid hunting license for at least the last three consecutive
years. The department may accept a signed affidavit from any of the
authorized individuals as proof that the unlicensed hunter has
complied with this subdivision.