BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    �



                                                                  SCR 70
                                                                  Page  1

          Date of Hearing:   May 17, 2012

                             ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
                                Nancy Skinner, Chair
                    SCR 70 (Gaines) - As Amended:  March 19, 2012

           SENATE VOTE  :   32-0
           
          SUBJECT  :   National Day of the Cowboy.

           SUMMARY  :   Recognizes and designates the 4th Saturday of every 
          July, in perpetuity, as the National Day of the Cowboy, and 
          encourages Californians to observe the day with appropriate 
          ceremonies and activities.  Specifically,  this resolution  makes 
          the following legislative findings:   

          1)Through cultural influence and the spirit of competition among 
            hardworking ranchers and farmers, often referred to as 
            "cowboys," the rodeo was introduced to the West, defining a 
            new branch of the ranching and farming experience.

          2)The cowboy continues to be an excellent steward of this land 
            and its creatures and is a vital part of the nation and the 
            economy of the State of California.

          3)Today's cowboys and cowgirls continue to strive to serve, 
            preserve, and perpetuate this foundation of America's heritage 
            through efforts of working cowboys and many organizations that 
            recognize the significance and value of the cowboy lifestyle; 
            and the cowboy is a true American icon, worthy of recognition 
            and honor.

           FISCAL EFFECT  :   None

           COMMENTS  :   According to the author, SCR 70 is intended to 
          celebrate the contribution of the cowboy and cowgirl to 
          America's culture and heritage by recognizing the 4th Saturday 
          in July, in perpetuity, as the National Day of the Cowboy and to 
          remove the need for the resolution to be introduced annually.  
          The sponsor, The National Day of the Cowboy Corp., states that 
          the resolution is about the cowboy/cowgirl culture and the 
          preservation of pioneer heritage, including the participants and 
          fans of rodeos.

          The opposition objects to the resolution's association with 








                                                                  SCR 70
                                                                  Page  2

          professional rodeo cowboys whom they assert profit from the 
          exploitation and cruelty of animals; and they express concern 
          that the current regulations intended to protect animals are not 
          being enforced.

           REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION  :

           Support 
           
          California Circuit Finals Rodeo
          California Horse Council 
          California Rodeo Salinas
          Classic Electric Inc.
          Highway 50 Association Wagon Train
          National Day of the Cowboy Corporation
          Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)
          The Showdown Rodeo, Inc.
          Stone Roofing Co., Inc.
          Western Pacific Roofing Corp.
          Individuals (22)
           
            Opposition 
           
          Action for Animals
          PawPAC
          Project Coyote
          Protecting Earth and Animals with Compassion and Education 
          (PEACE)
          Public Interest Coalition


           Analysis Prepared by  :    Anna McCabe / RLS. / (916) 319-2800