BILL ANALYSIS
AB 1442
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 1442 (Water, Parks & Wildlife Committee)
As Amended April 30, 2009
Majority vote
WATER, PARKS & WILDLIFE 13-0APPROPRIATIONS 16-0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
|Ayes:|Huffman, Fuller, |Ayes:|De Leon, Nielsen, |
| |Anderson, Arambula, Tom | |Ammiano, |
| |Berryhill, Blumenfield, | |Charles Calderon, Davis, |
| |Caballero, Fletcher, | |Duvall, Krekorian, Hall, |
| |Krekorian, Bonnie | |Harkey, Miller, |
| |Lowenthal, | |John A. Perez, Price, |
| |John A. Perez, Salas, | |Skinner, Solorio, Audra |
| |Yamada | |Strickland, Torlakson |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
| | | | |
-----------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY : Makes several changes to update, correct and improve
the Fish and Game Code, and makes technical corrections to the
Government Code. Specifically, this bill :
1)Authorizes the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) to seek and
accept donations from private and public organizations in
support of its Canine (K9) program.
2)Authorizes DFG to issue collectible, commemorative hunting
licenses for purposes of promoting and supporting licensed
hunting and resource conservation.
3)Authorizes county officials to take certain mammals involved
in dangerous disease outbreaks upon the approval of and in the
manner approved by DFG.
4)Excludes the Smith River from the list of inland waters in
which two fishing rods may be used to protect salmon and
steelhead.
5)Clarifies when a fish wholesaler's or fish importer's license
is required.
6)Extends the sunset on provisions of existing law relating to
sea cucumbers and Dungeness crab vessel permits, which will
AB 1442
Page 2
otherwise sunset next year.
7)Updates provisions relating to the seizure of animals
illegally taken, possessed, sold, imported or transported in
the state to also include the illegal taking, possession,
sale, or transport of aquaculture products.
8)Requires the Wildlife Conservation Board (Board), in
determining what streams and lakes are suitable for fishing
and hunting, in consultation with DFG, to consider areas of
the state where public access and opportunity for fishing and
hunting are most needed. Authorizes the Board, if feasible,
to require properties leased for habitat restoration to be
open to the public for compatible wildlife-dependent
recreational opportunities.
9)Authorizes derby contests for fishing to also apply to other
game species, and authorizes DFG to waive the permit fee if
the primary purpose of the derby is to educate young persons
about fishing or hunting.
10)Makes it unlawful to remove a collar from a hunting dog
without permission of the owner.
11)Authorizes a court to reduce a charge for taking a mammal or
bird without having a required hunting license, stamp or tag
from a misdemeanor to an infraction if the person charged
produces the license, stamp or tag, and the license, stamp or
tag was valid at the time of the arrest, and the taking was
otherwise lawful. Provides that the fine for such a violation
may be not less than $50 and not more than $250.
12)Makes technical corrections to provisions of the Government
Code relating to oil spill cleanups which incorrectly included
diesel fuel as an example of a non-persistent oil.
13)Makes other technical amendments to change incorrect code
references.
EXISTING LAW : The Fish and Game Code contains numerous
provisions governing the taking, management and protection of
fish and wildlife in the State. DFG is charged with
implementing and enforcing the provisions of the Fish and Game
Code. The Office of Spill Prevention and Response, a division
AB 1442
Page 3
of DFG, administers provisions of the Government Code relating
to oil spill prevention and response.
FISCAL EFFECT : Minor absorbable costs.
COMMENTS : This measure is an omnibus committee bill, the
purpose of which is to update and improve the Fish and Game
Code, to assist the state in managing natural resources and to
make technical corrections. An omnibus bill serves as a vehicle
to make several non-controversial changes to the codes that
would otherwise require separate pieces of legislation.
Analysis Prepared by : Diane Colborn / W., P. & W. / (916)
319-2096
FN: 0000767