BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 1792
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Date of Hearing: April 20, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Lorena Gonzalez, Chair
AB
1792 (Wood) - As Amended March 30, 2016
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: NoReimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill requires the Fish and Game Commission (FGC), upon
request, to consult with individual federally-recognized Indian
tribes regarding Elk management. This bill allows FGC to
allocate a specific number elk tags to the tribes for the
purpose of cultural or religious ceremonies and celebrations.
Prior to an allocation of elk tags to a tribe, this bill
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requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to work
collaboratively with the tribe to develop an elk management
strategy.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Initial costs of $458,000 (Fish and Game Preservation Fund) for
DFW for staff and one time equipment costs. Ongoing annual costs
of $359,000 (Fish and Game Preservation Fund)
Because this bill does not include a fee or funding structure to
implement the new Elk Management Plans, it may have negative
impacts for the Fish and Game Preservation Fund.
COMMENTS:
1)Purpose. According to the author, elk are interwoven within
ancient Native American tradition, but obtaining the necessary
elk tags has been difficult. Currently, every person seeking
an elk tag must go through the same process regardless of if
the take is for game or other purposes.
This bill allows FCG to set aside a specific allocation of elk
tags for Native Americans seeking to harvest them for cultural
or ceremonial reasons.
2)Background. Currently, a person must have a hunting license
and pay a fee to obtain an elk tag to allow for its take. The
base statutory fee for an elk tag is $165 for residents and
not less than $1,050 for nonresidents. With annual
adjustments, the current tag fee is $445.35 for residents and
$1,361.20 for nonresidents. Only one elk tag may be sold
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annually to nonresidents. In addition, not more than three
tags may be authorized annually to be sold at auction for
purposes of raising funds for programs and projects to benefit
elk. The total elk tag quota for 2015 was 356.
DFW indicates it is in the process of developing a statewide
management plan for elk. According to the DFW, the goals of
the elk management program are to maintain healthy elk herds,
reestablish elk in suitable historic range, provide public
educational and recreational opportunities involving elk, and
to alleviate conflicts involving elk on private property.
Analysis Prepared by:Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916)
319-2081