BILL ANALYSIS Ó ------------------------------------------------------------ |SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 1288| |Office of Senate Floor Analyses | | |1020 N Street, Suite 524 | | |(916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) | | |327-4478 | | ------------------------------------------------------------ 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 SB 1288 Page 2 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, SB 1288 Page 3 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 **** END ****