BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 1528
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB
1528 (Committee on Water, et al.)
As Introduced March 18, 2015
Majority vote
--------------------------------------------------------------------
|Committee |Votes |Ayes |Noes |
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
|Water |14-0 |Levine, Bigelow, | |
| | |Dababneh, Dahle, Dodd, | |
| | |Beth Gaines, Cristina | |
| | |Garcia, Gomez, Lopez, | |
| | |Mathis, Medina, Rendon, | |
| | |Salas, Williams | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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1)Corrects several out-of-date references to the former Department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.
AB 1528
Page 2
EXISTING LAW:
1)Establishes the Division of Boating and Waterways within the
Department of Parks & Recreation. The Division of Boating and
Waterways assumed the duties of the prior Department of Boating
and Waterways which was eliminated as a result of state
reorganization.
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 non-fiscal.
COMMENTS: This bill makes technical code changes, including
correction of out-of-date references to the prior Department of
Boating and Waterways in the Public Resources Code, and eliminates
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 and Recreation.
This bill also names the lace lichen, Ramalina menziesii, as the
official state lichen. Currently, the state does not have an
official 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
AB 1528
Page 3
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.
Supporters of this bill note that designating the lace lichen as
the official state lichen will help to promote appreciation,
education and study of lichens, and the important role they play
in the natural environment. Supporters note the lace lichen is a
good representative of the lichen family to be named the state
lichen, as it is a beautiful native lichen that is commonly found
throughout much of California. They further note that lichens are
good examples of symbiosis, in which two organisms are dependent
on each other. Lichens are very 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. There
was no opposition received to this bill.
Analysis Prepared by:
Diane Colborn / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096 FN:
0000215