BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 1767
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Date of Hearing: April 30, 2014
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Mike Gatto, Chair
AB 1767 (Holden) - As Amended: April 22, 2014
Policy Committee: Natural
ResourcesVote:6-3
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
Yes Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY
This bill increases the maximum fine imposed for specific crimes
conducted on lands owned or managed by the Santa Monica
Mountains Conservancy (Conservancy). Specifically, this bill:
1)Increases the maximum misdemeanor fine from $1,000 to $1,500
for dumping any refuse, except by permit, on property, or
destroying property owned or managed by the Conservancy.
2)Increases the $100 minimum fine to $250, and the $500 maximum
fine to $750, if the misdemeanor violation is reduced to an
infraction.
3)Requires revenues from these fines to be deposited into the
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Fund , upon appropriation
by the Legislature, to pay the costs of any necessary property
repairs or clean up related to violations. Any remaining funds
may be used by the Conservancy to award specified resource
conservation and park grants.
FISCAL EFFECT
Minor penalty revenue increases, likely less than $10,000,
resulting from the imposition of higher minimum and maximum
fines (Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy fund.)
COMMENTS
1)Purpose. According to the author, fine levels for damage to
property or the environment have not increased at Conservancy
area since 2002. The author seeks to provide the Conservancy
AB 1767
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increased revenue and flexibility by increasing fines and
using the revenue to pay for repairs and grants, if the fines
collected exceed the cost of the repairs.
According to Conservancy staff, in 2003 about $5,000 in costs
were incurred from vandalism and dumping in Conservancy
parklands.
1)Background. The Conservancy was established by the
California State Legislature in 1980. Since that time, it has
helped to preserve over 69,000 acres of parkland in both
wilderness and urban settings, and improved more than 114
public recreational facilities throughout Southern California.
Additionally, it has given grants to nonprofit organizations
for educational and interpretation programs that have served
hundreds of thousands of children and other park visitors.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), a
joint powers agency, provides ranger services on Conservancy
property. The MRCA is the law enforcement agency who would
typically issues citations for violation of the Conservancy's
statutes.
Analysis Prepared by : Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916)
319-2081