BILL ANALYSIS
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 609|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 609
Author: Hollingsworth (R)
Amended: 5/5/09
Vote: 21
SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE : 7-0, 4/28/09
AYES: Cogdill, Benoit, Hollingsworth, Huff, Padilla,
Wiggins, Wolk
NO VOTE RECORDED: Pavley, Kehoe, Leno, Simitian
SUBJECT : Importation of crocodile and alligator parts
SOURCE : Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal
DIGEST : This bill allows for the importation and sale of
crocodile and alligator products in California, and extends
the current sunset date for an additional five years.
ANALYSIS : Existing law makes it a crime to import into
California for commercial purposes, to possess with intent
to sell, or to sell any part or product of the dead body of
a crocodile or alligator.
This bill allows for the importation and sale of crocodile
and alligator products in California, and extends the
current sunset date for an additional five years.
Background
Previously classified as "endangered," this species was
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downlisted to "threatened due to similarity of appearance"
to other endangered or threatened crocodilian species.
Improved habitat management in the wild has been a major
factor, although the numbers understandably decrease
following catastrophic hurricanes. Farm-raised alligators
are also used in commerce. Nearly 20 other species of
alligators and crocodiles are federally listed as
endangered or threatened. Nine species are in commercial
trade, and the American alligator constitutes about 60
percent of the total trade. An international treaty, the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Flora and Fauna, requires that American alligator
hides be tagged to distinguish them from listed species.
Products, however, are not tagged. The United States Fish
and Wildlife Service implements the treaty.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No
Local: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 5/4/09)
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (source)
Accessories Council
A-One Couture Inc.
Australian Crocodile Traders
Belvedere Inc.
California Retailers Association
California Small Business Association
Chado Ralph Rucci
Crocodile Specialist Group
Crocohi
Dualoy Leather
GatorGuides.com
Geneva Watch Group
Horiuchi Trading Co., Ltd.
Louisiana Alligator Advisory Council
Poway Chamber of Commerce
Roje Leather
Roma Industries
Santee Chamber of Commerce
Thai Animal Skin & Hide
United States Representatives Charlie Melancon and Charles
Boustany
United States Senators Mary Landrieu and David Vitter
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OPPOSITION : (Verified 5/4/09)
Paw PAC
Los Angeles County District Attorney
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT : The Governor of Louisiana, Bobby
Jindal, is the bill's sponsor. Background materials from
the author and sponsor indicate that the economic impact of
alligator trade in Louisiana has increased from $30 million
to $78 million since the passage of SB 1485. The governor
also stated that the state's alligator management program
oversees a population of 1.5 million wild and farm-raised
alligators that produce 300,000 skins annually. The
governor believes that retailers and restaurants in
California that serve alligator meat would benefit from the
bill.
The California Retailers Association, the California Small
Business Association, and other business organizations,
manufacturers, and individual businesses in California and
Louisiana are also in support.
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION : The Los Angeles County District
Attorney's office opposes the bill because it argues the
bill would legalize conduct that may threaten and
endangered or threatened species or contribute to the
inhumane treatment of animals.
CTW:mw 5/5/09 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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