BILL ANALYSIS Ó SCR 121 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 25, 2016 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES Gordon, Chair SCR 121 (Wieckowski) - As Amended April 21, 2016 SENATE VOTE: 36-0 SUBJECT: West Nile Virus and Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week SUMMARY: Declares the week of April 17, 2016, to April 23, 2016, inclusive as West Nile Virus and Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week in California. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings: 1. West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can result in debilitating cases of meningitis and encephalitis and death to humans, horses, avian species, and other wildlife. 2.In 2015, West Nile virus resulted in 53 human deaths in California and over 783 individuals in 41 counties tested positive for the virus. 3.Adequately funded mosquito and vector control, disease surveillance, and public awareness programs, coupled with best management practices on public and private lands, are the best ways to prevent outbreaks of West Nile virus and other diseases borne by mosquitoes and other vectors. 4.Excess numbers of mosquitoes and other vectors spread diseases, reduce enjoyment of both public and private outdoor SCR 121 Page 2 living spaces, reduce property values, hinder outdoor work, reduce livestock productivity, and have a negative impact on the environment. 5.The public's awareness of the health benefits associated with safe, professionally applied mosquito and vector control methods will support these efforts, as well as motivate the state and the public to eliminate mosquito and vector breeding sites on public and private property. 6.West Nile Virus and Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week will increase the public's awareness of the threat of West Nile virus and other diseases and the activities of the various mosquito and vector research and control agencies working to minimize the health threat within California, and will highlight the educational programs currently available. FISCAL EFFECT: None REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION: Support None on file Opposition None on file Analysis Prepared by:Nicole Willis / RLS. / (916) 319-2800 SCR 121 Page 3