BILL ANALYSIS Ó ----------------------------------------------------------------- |SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 1089| |Office of Senate Floor Analyses | | |(916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) | | |327-4478 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------- THIRD READING Bill No: SB 1089 Author: Pavley (D) Amended: 3/28/16 Vote: 21 SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 8-0, 3/29/16 AYES: Pavley, Allen, Hertzberg, Hueso, Jackson, Monning, Vidak, Wolk NO VOTE RECORDED: Stone SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8 SUBJECT: Wildlife Conservation Board SOURCE: Author DIGEST: This bill adds two public members to the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) and allows the Director of Finance, already a member, to send a designee. ANALYSIS: Existing law: 1)Establishes, under the Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947, the WCB in the Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2)Provides the WCB shall consist of the President of the Fish and Game Commission, the Director of Fish and Wildlife, and the Director of Finance. SB 1089 Page 2 3)Requires the WCB investigate, study, and determine the areas in the state that are most suitable for certain wildlife related purposes. This bill adds two public members to the WCB and allows the Director of Finance, already a member, to send a designee. Comments The provision for the Department of Finance to appoint a designee basically ratifies a practice that occurs occasionally at WCB meetings. A designee could also allow the WCB to establish a quorum at meetings where the attendance of other voting members is not anticipated. The appointment of two public members also increases the likelihood of a quorum at WCB plus it creates an opportunity for knowledgeable public members to participate. The WCB is an entity tasked with a leadership role in the acquisition of conservation and habitat lands across the state. The author is in discussions regarding the appointing authorities for the two public members and their qualifications. FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.:YesLocal: No SUPPORT: (Verified4/11/16) Pacific Forest Trust Trust for Public Land OPPOSITION: (Verified4/11/16) Department of Finance ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author, the WCB is a key agency for acquisition of conservation lands all across the state and adding two qualified public members will add status to SB 1089 Page 3 the WCB as well as bring to it more points of view regarding important acquisitions. ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION: The Department of Finance is opposed based on the lack of information regarding the two public members and their qualifications, which is under discussion. Prepared by:William Craven / N.R. & W. / (916) 651-4116 4/13/16 16:54:06 **** END ****