BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 1528 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 28, 2015 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WATER, PARKS, AND WILDLIFE Marc Levine, Chair AB 1528 (Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife) - As Introduced March 18, 2015 SUBJECT: Public resources SUMMARY: Makes conforming and other nonsubstantive changes to the Public Resources Code, and names the lace lichen as the official state lichen. Specifically, this bill: 1)Corrects several out-of-date references to the former Department of Boating and Waterways and eliminates an obsolete code provision relating to an expired concession contract at the Columbia Historic State Park. 2)Names the lace lichen as the official state lichen. EXISTING LAW: 1)Establishes the Division of Boating and Waterways within the Department of Parks & Recreation. The Division assumed the duties of the prior Department of Boating and Waterways which was eliminated as a result of state reorganization. AB 1528 Page 2 2)Establishes and designates a number of official state emblems, including but not limited to, a state flower, tree, butterfly, reptile, amphibian, animal, fish, rock, grass, mineral, gemstone, marine mammal, fossil, and prehistoric artifact. FISCAL EFFECT: None; this bill is tagged non-fiscal. COMMENTS: This bill would correct out-of-date references to the prior Department of Boating and Waterways in the Public Resources Code, and eliminate other obsolete code provisions. The Public Resources Code establishes the Division of Boating and Waterways within the Department of Parks & Recreation. This division used to be a separate stand-alone department, but a state reorganization process eliminated the Department of Boating and Waterways and transferred the responsibilities of the prior department to the new Division of boating and waterways within the Department of Parks & Recreation. This bill also names the Lace Lichen, Ramalina menziesii, as the official state lichen. Currently, the state does not designate a state lichen, but does have a number of other official state emblems, as described above. Lichens are unique organisms that consist of both a fungus and an algae living together in a symbiotic relationship. Lichens are important for both wildlife and people. Lichens are a food source for many animals. They also have antibacterial properties and have been used medicinally for thousands of years. The lace lichen is being recommended as the official state lichen because it is a native lichen that is commonly found throughout much of California. Support Arguments: The California Lichen Society supports the provision in this bill which would designate the lace lichen as the official state lichen. They note that doing so will help to promote appreciation, education and study of lichens, and the AB 1528 Page 3 important role they play in our natural environment. The Society indicates that the lace lichen is a good representative of the lichen family to be named the state lichen, because it is a beautiful native lichen that is commonly found throughout much of California. Lichens are excellent examples of symbiosis, in which two organisms are dependent on each other. Lichens are tough and adaptable, and occur in diverse areas of both moderate and extreme climate. They are also actively being used as biological indicators of air quality and climate change around the world including in California. Opposition Arguments: None received. REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION: Support California Lichen Society Opposition None on file. Analysis Prepared by:Diane Colborn / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096 AB 1528 Page 4