BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SB 1089
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Date of Hearing: June 29, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Lorena Gonzalez, Chair
SB 1089
(Pavley) - As Amended June 15, 2016
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: NoReimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill expands the composition of the Wildlife Conservation
Board (WCB) to include two public members, one appointed by the
Speaker of the Assembly and one by the Senate Rules Committee.
SB 1089
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FISCAL EFFECT:
Minor increased annual travel costs of approximately $4,000
(Wildlife Restoration Fund) for the additional two members.
COMMENTS:
1)Purpose. According to the author, the WCB has become the
leading state entity for acquisition of resource and habitat
lands, especially in areas not covered by a conservancy. The
existing three members of the WCB are all members who serve
through their appointment by the Governor to their positions.
According to the author, this bill will add important
perspectives to the work of the WCB from individuals who are
not members of the Administration.
2)Background. The WCB was created in 1947 to administer a
capital outlay program for wildlife conservation and related
public recreation. WCB is a separate and independent board
with authority and funding to carry out an acquisition and
development program for wildlife conservation. WCB consists of
the President of the Fish and Game Commission, the Director of
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the
Director of the Department of Finance. A Legislative Advisory
Committee consisting of three members of the Senate and three
members of the Assembly meets regularly with the WCB and
provides oversight.
WCB's three main functions are land acquisition, habitat
restoration and development of wildlife oriented public access
facilities.
3)Criteria for Public Members. The current version of the bill
does not provide any criteria to guide the appointment of the
SB 1089
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public members. Because the work of WCB is so specific, the
author may wish to consider the following amendment:
"Both public members shall have demonstrated interest and
expertise in land acquisition for conservation purposes
including but not limited to activities that benefit
disadvantaged communities identified pursuant to the
provisions of Health and Safety Code Section 39711,
experience with a land conservation nonprofit organization,
a public agency focused on land conservation or public land
management, or as a professional with expertise in one or
more functions of the board including conservation
easements or other interests in real estate designed to
further the mission of the board."
Additionally, the author may wish to consider clarifying that
public members are not compensated, with the exception of
reimbursement for actual and necessary travel expenses.
Analysis Prepared by:Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916)
319-2081