BILL ANALYSIS Ó
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 1288|
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CONSENT
Bill No: SB 1288
Author: Harman (R)
Amended: 4/26/12
Vote: 21
SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER COMM. : 9-0, 4/24/12
AYES: Pavley, La Malfa, Cannella, Evans, Fuller, Kehoe,
Padilla, Simitian, Wolk
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE : Senate Rule 28.8
SUBJECT : Hunting licenses
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This bill requires the Department of Fish and
Game (DFG) to issue a reduced fee hunting license to
military personnel who are recovering service members, as
defined, and who demonstrate eligibility, as prescribed.
ANALYSIS :
Existing law:
1.Requires DFG to issue a hunting license, upon payment of
a fee, to eligible California residents and nonresidents,
as specified.
2.Requires DFG to issue a reduced fee hunting license, as
specified, to a disabled veteran, as defined.
CONTINUED
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This bill requires DFG to issue a reduced fee hunting
license to military personnel who are recovering service
members, as defined, and who demonstrate eligibility, as
prescribed.
Background
A hunting license is required to take birds and mammals in
the state of California. Hunting licenses are acquired
through DFG.
Existing law requires DFG to provide reduced fee hunting
licenses to disabled veterans. Military personnel who are
at least 70 percent disabled are also eligible for a free
hunting permit during the period of time the person is in
the medical facility.
Active military personnel who are recovering service
members are defined as a member of the Armed Forces,
including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who
is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy
and is in an outpatient status while recovering from a
serious injury or illness related to the member's military
service (Section 1602 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2008).
Wounded Warrior programs are efforts by the U.S. Armed
Services to care for recovering service members during
their transition back to civilian life. This system of
support and advocacy guides soldiers from evacuation
through treatment and rehabilitation until they return to
duty or leave the military. Research on individuals with
physical disabilities shows participation in recreational
activities develops an enhanced sense of control in their
physical and social lives (Blinde and McClung 1997). In
the U.S. Marines Wounded Warrior Regiment Strategic Plan
for 2011-2012, under Goal 1, objective 1.2, they list
"Empower Wounded, Ill and Injured Marines and families by
providing a variety of leisure/recreation activities and
sporting opportunities to aid in their recovery process and
to promote a healthy and productive lifestyle."
Several states currently offer reduced cost (Florida,
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Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Virginia, Wisconsin) or free
hunting licenses (Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Vermont) for
active duty military personnel.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes
Local: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 4/24/12)
California Waterfowl Association
Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc.,
Department of
California
Newport Beach Sunrise Rotary
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT : The author states that, "a
significant part of the healing process for seriously
injured service members is enabling and encouraging them to
experience some of the recreational activities they enjoyed
prior to their injury or illness. This bill would allow
service members to enjoy California's natural resources as
part of their rehabilitative care at a discounted price.
Disabled veterans are currently eligible for reduced fee
hunting licenses, however those in active service and are
participating in therapy for their injuries are currently
not covered by the present law. This bill remedies that
disparity and allows DFG to recognize both disabled
veterans and wounded warriors equitably."
CTW:do 5/22/12 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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