BILL ANALYSIS �
SB 1434
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Date of Hearing: July 2, 2014
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Mike Gatto, Chair
SB 1434 (Wolk) - As Amended: June 11, 2014
Policy Committee: Water, Parks and
Wildlife Vote: 15-0
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
No Reimbursable:
SUMMARY
This bill establishes state funding priorities for funds
received from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act and
requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to consult
with advisory committees on proposed state expenditures. This
bill also requires DFW to appoint an advisory committee to
review and comment on proposed projects funded under the State
Duck Stamp Account.
FISCAL EFFECT
Minor and absorbable costs.
COMMENTS
1)Purpose. According to the author, this bill will provide
additional oversight, accountability and transparency for
funds generated by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act
of 1937 (commonly referred to as Pittman-Robinson) to ensure a
more reliable funding source for the management of state
wildlife areas and DFW's hunting programs.
2)Pittman-Robinson. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act
of 1937 establishes an 11% excise tax on sporting arms and
ammunition.
A portion of the Pittman-Robinson funds are appropriated to
the Secretary of the Interior and apportioned to states
through the Wildlife Restoration Program using a formula based
on the area of the state and its number of licensed hunters.
These monies may fund up to 75% of projects relating to the
SB 1434
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acquisition and improvement of wildlife habitat, the
introduction of wildlife into habitat, research, public access
facilities, and hunter education programs. The
Pittman-Robinson Act allows funds to be used for any species
of wild bird or mammal, whether game or non-game.
Recently, sales of guns and ammunition have increased
resulting in additional state funding. In 2012 and 2013,
California was eligible to receive an estimated total of $12.5
million in Pittman-Robinson funds, about 82% of which was
allocated for wildlife projects and 18% of which was allocated
for hunter education. In 2014, California is eligible to
receive approximately $25 million in Pittman-Robinson funds.
3)State Duck Stamp Account. Under existing law, funds derived
from duck hunting validations and duck stamps are deposited in
the State Duck Stamp Account in the Fish and Game Preservation
Fund. This account funds projects and endowments approved by
the Fish and Game Commission to protect, preserve, restore,
enhance and develop migratory waterfowl breeding and winter
habitat. Projects may also fund waterfowl resource
assessments and research.
This bill codifies the State Duck Account Advisory Committee
that currently operates informally.
Analysis Prepared by : Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916)
319-2081