Under existing law, a hunting license grants the privilege to take birds and mammals. Existing law requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue a hunting license for specified periods of time, including for a term of one year, as provided, upon payment of a fee, to eligible residents and nonresidents. Existing law requires the department to issue a lifetime hunting license, upon payment of a fee, to eligible California residents that authorizes a person to take birds and mammals for the life of the person, as prescribed. Under existing law, a sport fishing license grants the privilege to take fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Existing law requires the department to issue a sport fishing license for specified periods of time, including for the period of a calendar year, as provided, upon payment of a fee, to eligible residents and nonresidents. Existing law requires the department to issue a lifetime sport fishing license, upon payment of a fee, to eligible California residents that authorizes a person to take fish, reptiles, and amphibians for the life of the person, as prescribed. Existing law requires the department to issue lifetime sportsmans licenses, upon payment of a fee, to eligible California residents that authorizes a person to take birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians for the life of the person, as prescribed.

This bill would require the department to reduce the fee required to obtain the above-described lifetime licenses by 25% for a person who is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, was honorably discharged, and is a resident of California.

Under existing law, a hunting license grants the privilege to take birds and mammals. Existing law requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue a hunting license for specified periods of time, including for a term of one year, as provided, upon payment of a fee, to eligible residents and nonresidents. Existing law requires the department to issue a lifetime hunting license, upon payment of a fee, to eligible California residents that authorizes a person to take birds and mammals for the life of the person, as prescribed. Under existing law, a sport fishing license grants the privilege to take fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Existing law requires the department to issue a sport fishing license for specified periods of time, including for the period of a calendar year, as provided, upon payment of a fee, to eligible residents and nonresidents. Existing law requires the department to issue a lifetime sport fishing license, upon payment of a fee, to eligible California residents that authorizes a person to take fish, reptiles, and amphibians for the life of the person, as prescribed. Existing law requires the department to issue lifetime sportsmans licenses, upon payment of a fee, to eligible California residents that authorizes a person to take birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians for the life of the person, as prescribed.

This bill would require the department to reduce the fee required to obtain the above-described licenses by an unspecified percentage 25% for a person who is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States States, was honorably discharged, and is a resident of California.

Under existing law, a hunting license grants the privilege to take birds and mammals. Existing law requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue a hunting license for a term of one year, as provided, upon payment of a fee, to eligible residents and nonresidents. Existing law requires the department to issue a lifetime hunting license, upon payment of a fee, to eligible California residents that authorizes a person to take birds and mammals for the life of the person, as prescribed. Under existing law, a sport fishing license grants the privilege to take fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Existing law requires the department to issue a sport fishing license for the period of a calendar year, as provided, upon payment of a fee, to eligible residents and nonresidents. Existing law requires the department to issue a lifetime sport fishing license, upon payment of a fee, to eligible California residents that authorizes a person to take fish, reptiles, and amphibians for the life of the person, as prescribed. Existing law requires the department to issue lifetime sportsmans licenses, upon payment of a fee, to eligible California residents that authorizes a person to take birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians for the life of the person, as prescribed.

This bill would require the department to reduce the fee required to obtain the above-described licenses by an unspecified percentage for a person who is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States and is a resident of California.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular Session

AB 1844 (Gallagher) - Hunting and fishing licenses: reduced license fees: veterans

This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File.

Bill Summary:

AB 1844 requires the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to reduce the lifetime sportsman’s, lifetime hunting, and lifetime fishing license fees by 25 percent for honorably discharged veterans.

Fiscal Impact:

Unknown, but significant revenue loss to CDFW from discount sales of hunting and fishing licenses (Fish and Game Preservation Fund, and Lifetime License Trust Account).

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, as of 2014, approximately 1.8 million Veterans reside in California, with 331,645 receiving monthly disability compensation (and therefore already eligible for discounted licenses). This bill increases eligibility by approximately 1.5 million (from 331,600 to 1.8 million Veterans).

As an example, a lifetime hunting or fishing license currently costs at least $517 (and up to up to $844). Under this bill, the lowest cost lifetime license would be discounted by $129 (up to $388). If only a quarter of a percent (.25 percent) of eligible California Veterans purchase a discounted lifetime license, the associated revenue loss would equal $474,462.

Background: The CDFW manages California's fish, wildlife, and plant resources. It also regulates hunting and sport fishing within the state. Each year, the Fish and Game Commission sets license fees and take restrictions, as well as other regulations that the CDFW implements and enforces. California law requires that most licenses and other CDFW program fees are set at a level sufficient to cover administrative costs.

Under current law, an individual must obtain a hunting license prior to taking any bird or mammal, and a fishing license prior to taking any fish, reptiles, or amphibians. In many cases, additional tags, validations, or enhancements are required to take certain species or from certain areas.

Fish and wildlife offers a variety of different types of hunting and fishing licenses, including a lifetime license option. The cost of a lifetime license depends on the applicant’s age. Currently, the cost for a lifetime hunting or fishing license is $517.00 for persons 9 years or younger, $844.50 for persons 10 to 39 years old; $761.00 for persons 40 to 61 years old; and $517.00 for persons 62 years old or older.

Certain groups are eligible for free or a reduced fee annual hunting and sport fishing licenses. Low income senior citizens, veterans with a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability, and recovering service members, as defined, are eligible for a reduced fee fishing license ($6.95). Free sport fishing licenses are provided to low-income Native Americans and mobility impaired, blind, or developmentally disabled individuals. Reduced fee hunting licenses are available to hunters under age 18 ($12.45), veterans with a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability ($6.95), and recovering service members ($6.95).

Proposed Law:

This bill:

1. Requires CDFW to reduce the lifetime sportsman’s license fee by 25 percent for honorably discharged veterans.
2. Requires CDFW to reduce the lifetime hunting license fee by 25 percent for honorably discharged veterans.
3. Requires CDFW to reduce the lifetime sport fishing license fee by 25 percent for honorably discharged veterans.

Related Legislation:

AB 1972 (Chau) expands the population of veterans eligible for the Distinguished Veterans Parks Pass to include all veterans with 50 percent or greater service disability, not just those who served in times of war. AB 1972 is pending in this committee.

Staff Comments:

This bill provides unique benefits to one population over others that might be equally in need or deserving of these benefits. This disparate treatment creates pressure to provide similar benefits to additional populations to resolve the disparity. It may also create pressure to expand the benefits offered to this population. As such, staff notes that this bill may result in significant cost pressures on state resources in addition to the costs outlined in the fiscal impact statement.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER

Senator Fran Pavley, Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular

Bill No: AB 1844 Hearing Date: June 28, 2016

Subject: Hunting and fishing licenses: reduced license fees: veterans

BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is responsible for managing hunting and sport fishing within the state. Current law requires CDFW to issue hunting licenses to take birds or mammals and a fishing license to take fish, reptiles, or amphibians. In many cases, the license is the minimum level of certification a hunter or angler needs to take an animal. For some birds and mammals, CDFW issues tags to allow hunters to take specific animals from certain areas. Each year, the total number of tags issued by CDFW for each animal as well as the number of tags each licensee is eligible to receive is restricted. Similarly, CDFW requires report cards, stamps, or validations for certain fish and regions.

Currently, annual hunting and sport fishing licenses each cost $47.01 for California residents. In addition to annual licenses, existing law requires CDFW to offer lifetime passes for hunting licenses, fishing licenses, and a combination pass called a sportsman’s license (Fish and Game Code § 3031.2, 7149.2, and 714, respectively). To purchase a sportsman’s license, the individual must buy the hunting and fishing licenses separately and there is no additional discount for buying both licenses at the same time.

The cost of a lifetime license depends on the applicant’s age. Currently, the cost for a lifetime hunting or fishing license is $517.00 for persons 9 years or younger, $844.50 for persons 10 to 39 years old; $761.00 for persons 40 to 61 years old; and $517.00 for persons 62 years old or older.

In addition to the lifetime license, CDFW also offers lifetime “privilege packages” for stamps, report cards, tags and other entitlements that are required to take certain mammals, birds, and fish.

Under existing law, certain groups are provided hunting and sport fishing licenses for free or a reduced fee. Reduced fees for sport fishing licenses are provided to low income senior citizens, disabled veterans and recovering service members. A disabled veteran is defined as a person having a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Currently, the cost for a reduced-fee hunting or sport fishing license is $6.95 annually.

Free annual sport fishing licenses are provided to low income Native Americans as well as to blind, developmentally disabled, or mobility impaired individuals. Hunting licenses are provided free-of-charge for mobility impaired individuals.

Hunting tags are issued for big game animals, including bear, elk, deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, and wild pigs. Tags are also issued for bobcats. Since demand for big game hunting tags exceeds the number of animals that can be killed sustainably each year, most hunting tags are given out through a drawing. Applying for an animal-specific tag drawing costs between $5.97 and $38.62. The tags themselves cost between $22.42 and $445.35. Furthermore, taking ducks and some upland game birds requires a separate validation ($20.52 and $9.46, respectively).

In addition to a sport fishing license, CDFW requires a report card for certain fish including abalone, sturgeon, North Coast salmon, steelhead, and spiny lobster. Report cards range from $6.22 to $22.42. Fishing with a second rod and fishing in certain ocean waters require a validation ($14.61 and $5.14, respectively).

PROPOSED LAW

This bill would require CDFW to reduce the fee to obtain lifetime hunting, fishing or sportsmen licenses by 25 percent for a person who is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, was honorably discharged, and is a California resident.

The discount would not apply to the additional privilege packages.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT

The author argues this bill is necessary because it “recognizes the sacrifices of our veterans by granting them a well-deserved discount on hunting and fishing licenses. These recreational outdoor activities can help veterans rehabilitate from the stresses of their service. This bill helps veterans and also encourages participation in a vital California industry and pastime.”

The California Sportfishing League echoed the arguments made by the author and added that “California should consider this legislation as a first step to reforming its costly and antiquated fishing license program.”

ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION

None received.

COMMENTS

How does the lifetime license program work?

Anyone who purchases a lifetime license receives a new license each year at no cost from a CDFW license agent or from the CDFW Online License Sales site.

The lifetime license program works by depositing the money for the purchase of a lifetime license into a dedicated account called the Lifetime License Trust Account. Each year, the money in that trust account earns interest and CDFW receives an allocation equal to one license fee for every person holding a lifetime fishing or hunting license. Over the course of your lifetime, the money taken from the trust account is offset by interest earned on the principal.

Who would be affected by the discount and how much could they save?

All honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces with California residency are eligible. Individuals who leave California and become residents of another state either temporarily or permanently can keep their lifetime license. Lifetime licenses are not transferrable.

As stated in the background section, the cost of the lifetime passes depends on the age of the applicant. Veterans can fall under the three upper age groups (no one between the ages of 0 and 9 could apply as a veteran) and the potential savings range from $129.25 to $211.10.

Under existing law, disabled veterans receive a discount of approximately 85 percent on annual hunting and fishing licenses. It would be cheaper to apply for an annual hunting and/or fishing license than to purchase a lifetime license, even if discounted by 25 percent. Therefore, it is unlikely disabled veterans would benefit from this bill. That said, the primary aim of this bill is to assist all veterans, not just the veterans who were seriously injured while serving our country. While all veterans deserve

Are other discounts offered for lifetime passes?

CDFW does not currently offer discounts on lifetime passes. Since no group currently receives a discount on lifetime licenses, would this bill set a precedent and open the door for other groups to seek a discount?

In contrast to the lifetime passes, certain groups are eligible for discounts on annual hunting and fishing licenses. Disabled veterans and recovering service members are eligible for reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses. Additionally, reduced-fee fishing licenses are available to low income seniors, and free fishing licenses are available for low income Native Americans and blind, mobility impaired or developmentally disabled individuals.

What is the potential fiscal impact of the proposed bill?

According to the analysis from the Assembly Appropriations Committee, discounting hunting and fishing licenses could significantly reduce revenue for the Fish and Game Preservation Fund and Lifetime License Trust Account. Revenue from license sales is used to support CDFW’s wide range of programs that support hunting and sport fishing, including fish hatcheries, fish stocking, wildlife management, management of wildlife areas, law enforcement, habitat restoration, and education programs.

According to the California Department of Veteran Affairs, there are approximately 1.8 million veterans living in California, with 331,645 receiving monthly disability compensation as of 2014. This bill increases eligibility from a universe of approximately 331,600 to 1.8 million veterans.

Related legislation.

SB 1287 (Harman), Chapter 409, Statutes of 2012, and SB 1288 (Harman), Chapter 410, Statutes of 2012, required CDFW to offer reduced-fee sport fishing and hunting licenses, respectively, to military personnel who are recovering service members.

AB 1387 (Runner) of 2007 would have required reduced fee hunting and fishing licenses and free state park passes to be made available to members of the California National Guard. AB 1387 was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

AB 1527 (Committee on Water, Parks & Wildlife), Chapter 154, Statutes of 2015, made technical changes to clarify the documentation that is sufficient to demonstrate eligibility for a disabled veterans reduced-fee hunting license.

AB 1972 (Chau) would extend eligibility for the state's existing Distinguished Veteran State Park day use pass, which currently is available to veterans with disabilities who served during war time, to also include veterans with a service-connected disability who served during peace time. AB 1972 is also pending in this committee.

SB 1081 (Morrell) would have require the CDFW to provide free hunting licenses to disabled Veterans and recovering service members. SB 1081 was held in Senate Appropriations.

SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS

None.

SUPPORT

American G.I. Forum of California

American Legion – Department of California

AMVETS – Department of California

California Association for Recreational Fishing

California Association of County Veterans Service Officers

California Sportfishing League (sponsor)

California Waterfowl Association

Military Officers Association of America – California Council of Chapters

National Marine Manufacturers Association

Outdoor Sportsmen’s Coalition of California

Safari Club International

Vietnam Veterans of America – California State Council

One individual

OPPOSITION

None received.

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 1844

Author:(Gallagher)

As Amended Ver:May 27, 2016

Majority vote

SUMMARY: Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to reduce the fee required to obtain a lifetime sportsmen, hunting or fishing license by 25% for a person who is a Veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States and was honorably discharged.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Requires an annual hunting license to be issued to any resident of the state age 18 years or older upon payment of a fee of $31.25. The current fee for an adult resident hunting license is $47.01.
2. Requires a sport fishing license to be issued to a resident, 16 years of age or older, for a fee. The current license fee for a resident adult sport fishing license is $47.01.
3. Authorizes a disabled Veteran or recovering service member to purchase a reduced-fee hunting license, or a reduced-fee sport fishing license, for a base fee of $4.00, which with annual adjustments is currently $6.95. Defines a disabled Veteran as a person having a 50% or greater service-connected disability and an honorable discharge from military service. A recovering service member is a member of the military, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy and is in an outpatient status while recovering from a serious injury or illness related to the member's military service.
4. Authorizes the purchase of lifetime hunting or fishing licenses, and requires a lifetime hunting license or lifetime sport fishing license to be issued upon payment of a base fee that ranges from $365 to $600, depending on the age of the applicant. The base fee is applicable to the 2004 license year. Current lifetime hunting and sport fishing license fees after annual adjustments range from $517 to $844.50, depending on age. Additional lifetime packages are also available for bird hunting, big game hunting and additional fishing privileges.
5. Requires that the first $20 of fees collected from initial sales of lifetime hunting and fishing licenses be deposited in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund, and the balance deposited in the Lifetime License Trust Account, with the principal subject to investment. Authorizes the money in the Trust Account to be invested through the Surplus Money Investment Fund of the State, and for the interest to accrue to the Trust Fund. Further requires that DFW transfer $29.25 from the Lifetime License Trust Account to the Fish and Game Preservation Fund upon issuance of each annual renewal of a lifetime hunting or fishing license.
6. Makes reduced-fee sport fishing licenses available to low income seniors for $6.95, and for free to low-income Native Americans and persons who are blind, developmentally disabled, or mobility impaired. Also makes free motor vehicle hunting licenses available to any mobility impaired disabled hunter who must use a motor vehicle to pursue game, and is either permanently or fully confined to a wheel chair, is an amputee, or depends on the aid of a walker or crutches to walk.
7. Requires the purchase of certain sport fishing report cards, validations, or entitlements, in addition to a sport fishing license, to fish for certain species of fish or in certain locations. Examples of sport fishing report cards include a sport fishing ocean enhancement stamp, a steelhead trout report card, a second rod sport fishing validation, and a salmon punch card.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:

Unknown significant revenue loss to DFW from discount sales of hunting and fishing licenses (Fish and Game Preservation Fund, and Lifetime License Trust Account).

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, there are approximately 1.8 million Veterans living in California, with 331,645 receiving monthly disability compensation as of 2014. This bill increases eligibility from a universe of approximately 331,600 to 1.8 million Veterans.

COMMENTS: This bill as amended would require the DFW to offer lifetime hunting or fishing licenses for a 25% reduced fee to a person who is a Veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States and who was honorably discharged. Currently, Veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability are eligible to purchase reduced-fee annual fishing and hunting licenses, but such a discount is not provided for disabled Veterans for purchase of a lifetime hunting or fishing license. This bill would require DFW to offer a 25% discount for purchase of a lifetime hunting or fishing license to any Veteran who has been honorably discharged, whether or not they have a service-connected disability.

To fish or hunt in California, an adult must either purchase an annual fishing or hunting license, or have purchased a lifetime hunting or fishing license. Annual fishing and hunting license fees for resident adults are currently $47.01. A disabled Veteran may obtain an annual hunting or fishing license for a reduced fee of $6.95.

Current fees for a lifetime hunting or fishing license range from $517 to $844.50, depending on the age of the applicant. This bill would require DFW to offer a 25% discount on these fees for any Veteran who was honorably discharged.

The author of this bill seeks to give Veterans more access to outdoor recreation opportunities in California by providing discounted hunting and fishing license fees to all Veterans. This bill, prior to the amendments taken in the Assembly Appropriations Committee, was much broader and would have required discounted annual fishing and hunting licenses and other required sport cards, in addition to lifetime licenses, to be provided at a discount to all Veterans. As amended, the new discount would only apply to purchase of lifetime licenses.

The author intends with this bill to give more access to hunting and fishing opportunities to California Veterans and anticipates that increasing access will expand participation in hunting and fishing by Veterans, their families, and friends. This expanded participation should introduce more people to sport fishing and hunting and could lead to increased sales of licenses in future years. The author acknowledges that one concern with this bill may be its potential fiscal effects on the DFW. However, the author asserts that the decrease in revenue from Veterans' purchases of discounted fishing and hunting licenses should be made up through an increased sales volume.

This bill, by offering discounted lifetime licenses to an expanded pool of applicants could potentially lead to a deficit in the Lifetime License Trust Account if fees collected for lifetime fishing or hunting licenses are insufficient to cover the costs of those licenses. However, prior language in this bill that would have prohibited DFW from increasing other license fees in order to make up for any potential loss of revenue from sales of discounted licenses to Veterans was removed.

Supporters assert this bill will reward American Veterans who have defended our freedom with honor, and assist them with rehabilitation by providing access to recreation for them and their families.

Analysis Prepared by: Diane Colborn / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096 FN: 0003311

Date of Hearing: April 27, 2016

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Lorena Gonzalez, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1844

Author:(Gallagher) – As Amended Ver:March 10, 2016

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to reduce the fees required to obtain hunting licenses and various sport fishing entitlements for veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires DFW to reduce the fee required to obtain a lifetime sportsman's license, an annual or lifetime hunting license, or an annual or lifetime sport fishing license, by 25%, for any resident of the state who is a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces and who was honorably discharged.
2. Requires DFW to reduce the fee required to obtain any sport fishing report card, validation, or other entitlement required in addition to a sport fishing license by 25% for any resident of the state who is a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces and was honorably discharged, and by 50% for a Veteran who has a 50% or greater service-connected disability.
3. Prohibits the Fish and Game Commission (FGC) from increasing license fees for non-veterans to make up the loss of revenue to DFW from the Veteran discounts.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Unknown significant revenue loss, potentially in the millions of dollars, to DFW from discount sales of hunting and fishing licenses (Fish and Game Preservation Fund, and Lifetime License Trust Account).

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, there are approximately 1.8 million Veterans living in California, with 331,645 receiving monthly disability compensation as of 2014. This bill increases eligibility from a universe of approximately 331,600 to 1.8 million Veterans.

As an example, an annual hunting license currently costs $47.01and under this bill would be discounted to $35.26. If only 1% of eligible California Veterans purchase a discounted hunting license, the associated annual revenue losses would be $211,500.

Because this bill prohibits the FGC from increasing the fees for hunting and fishing licenses and sport fishing report cards sold to nonveterans in order to recoup the loss of revenue, it is likely to result in significant revenue loss.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author, this bill provides Veterans more access to outdoor recreation opportunities in California by providing discounted hunting and fishing license fees to all Veterans. This bill also provides discounts to Veterans for sport fishing report cards that are required to take specific fish or to fish in certain areas, in addition to a sport fishing license.

The author also contends that this bill will provide more access to California Veterans and by increasing access, will expand participation in hunting and fishing by Veterans, their families, and friends. This expanded participation may lead to increased sales of licenses in future years.

1. Background: The DFW reports that in 2015, California issued approximately 14,174 disabled Veteran sport fishing licenses, which are issued on a calendar year basis. For the 2014/15 hunting license year, approximately 3,500 disabled Veteran hunting licenses were issued. Hunting licenses are issued on a fiscal year basis, from July through June. DFW also indicates that fewer than 50 recovering service member licenses have been issued each year since that program began in 2013.
2. Related Legislation. AB 1972 (Chau) would extend eligibility for the state's existing Distinguished Veteran State Park day use pass, which currently is available to Veterans with disabilities who served during war time, to also includes Veterans with a service-connected disability who served during peace time. AB 1972 is on suspense in this Committee.
   

Analysis Prepared by: Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 12, 2016

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS

Jacqui Irwin, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1844 (

Author:Gallagher) – As Amended Ver:March 10, 2016

SUBJECT: Hunting and fishing licenses: reduced license fees: veterans

SUMMARY:  Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to reduce the fee required to obtain a hunting license by 25% for a person who is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, was honorably discharged, and is a resident of California. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires DFW to reduce the fee required to obtain a lifetime sportsman's license, an annual or lifetime hunting license, or an annual or lifetime sport fishing license, by 25%, for any resident of the state who is a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces and who was honorably discharged.
2. Prohibits the Fish and Game Commission (FGC) from increasing license fees for non-veterans to make up the loss of revenue to DFW from the Veteran discount.
3. Requires DFW to reduce the fee required to obtain any sport fishing report card, validation, or other entitlement required in addition to a sport fishing license by 25% for any resident of the state who is a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces and was honorably discharged, and by 50% for a Veteran who has a 50% or greater service-connected disability. Prohibits FGC from increasing the fee required to obtain a sport fishing report card, validation, or other entitlement for nonveterans to make up the loss of revenue to DFW from the Veteran discount.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Requires an annual hunting license to be issued to any resident of the state age 18 years or older upon payment of a base fee of $31.25, to persons under age 18 years upon payment of a base fee of $8.25, and to nonresident adults upon payment of a base fee of $108.50. The base fees are applicable to the 2004 license year and are adjusted annually based on changes in the Implicit Price Deflator. With annual adjustments, the current fee levels for annual hunting licenses for 2015 are: $47.01 for an adult resident hunting license, $12.45 for a junior hunting license, and $163.65 for a nonresident hunting license.
2. Requires a sport fishing license to be issued to a resident, 16 years of age or older, for a base fee of $31.25, and to a nonresident for a base fee of $84. The base fees apply to the 2004 license year. With annual adjustments, the current license fee for a resident adult sport fishing license in 2015 is $47.01, and for nonresidents is $126.36.
3. Authorizes a disabled Veteran or recovering service member to purchase a reduced-fee hunting license, or a reduced-fee sport fishing license, for a base fee of $4.00, which with annual adjustments is currently $6.95. Defines a disabled Veteran as a person having a 50% or greater service-connected disability and an honorable discharge from military service. A recovering service member is a member of the military, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy and is in an outpatient status while recovering from a serious injury or illness related to the member's military service.
4. Requires a lifetime hunting license or lifetime sport fishing license to be issued upon payment of a base fee that ranges from $365 to $600, depending on the age of the applicant. The base fee is applicable to the 2004 license year. Current lifetime hunting and sport fishing license fees after annual adjustments range from $517 to $844.50, depending on age. Additional lifetime packages are also available for bird hunting, big game hunting and additional fishing privileges.
5. Requires that the first $20 of fees collected from initial sales of lifetime hunting and fishing licenses be deposited in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund, and the balance deposited in the Lifetime License Trust Account, with the principal subject to investment. Authorizes the money in the Trust Account to be invested through the Surplus Money Investment Fund of the State, and for the interest to accrue to the Trust Fund. Further requires that DFW transfer $29.25 from the Lifetime License Trust Account to the Fish and Game Preservation Fund upon issuance of each annual renewal of a lifetime hunting or fishing license.
6. Requires the Fish and Game Commission (FGC) to adjust the amount of all of the above fees as necessary to fully recover, but not exceed, all reasonable administrative and implementation costs of the DFW and FGC relating to those licenses.
7. Makes reduced-fee sport fishing licenses available to low income seniors for $6.95, and for free to low income Native Americans and persons who are blind, developmentally disabled, or mobility impaired. Also makes free motor vehicle hunting licenses available to any mobility impaired disabled hunter who must use a motor vehicle to pursue game, and is either permanently or fully confined to a wheel chair, is an amputee, or depends on the aid of a walker or crutches to walk.
8. Requires the purchase of certain sport fishing report cards, validations, or entitlements, in addition to a sport fishing license, to fish for certain species of fish or in certain locations. Examples of sport fishing report cards include a sport fishing ocean enhancement stamp, a steelhead trout report card, a second rod sport fishing validation, and a salmon punch card.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown loss of revenues to DFW from discount sales of hunting and fishing licenses to Veterans.

COMMENTS: This bill would require the DFW to issue reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses, and other sport fishing report cards required to fish in addition to a sport fishing license, to Veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

1. Author's Statement: The current discounted fee for hunting and fishing licenses in California only applies to disabled or recovering Veterans. The author of this bill seeks to give Veterans more access to outdoor recreation opportunities in California by providing discounted hunting and fishing license fees to all Veterans, and to additionally provide discounts to Veterans for sport fishing report cards that are required to take specific fish or to fish in certain areas, in addition to a sport fishing license.
   
   The author intends with this bill to give more access to California Veterans and anticipates that increasing access will expand participation in hunting and fishing by Veterans, their families, and friends. This expanded participation should introduce more people to sport fishing and hunting and could lead to increased sales of licenses in future years. The author acknowledges that one concern with this bill may be its potential fiscal effects on the DFW. However, the author asserts that the decrease in revenue from Veterans' purchases of discounted fishing and hunting licenses should be made up through an increased sales volume.
2. Basis for this Legislation: This bill arises out of a desire to recognize the service of and sacrifices made by veterans. There is no evidence or assertion that there is a particular problem or barrier that the bill will solve.
   
3. Double-Referral: This bill was previously heard by the Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee, where it received a vote of 11-2.
   
4. Prior and Related Legislation: SB 1287 (Harman), Chapter 409, Statutes of 2012, and SB 1288 (Harman), Chapter 410, Statutes of 2012, required DFW to offer reduced fee sport fishing and hunting licenses to military personnel who are recovering service members.

AB 1387 (Runner) of 2007 would have required reduced fee hunting and fishing licenses and free state park passes to be made available to members of the California National Guard. AB 1387 was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

AB 1527 (Committee on Water, Parks & Wildlife), Chapter 154, Statutes of 2015, made technical changes to clarify the documentation that is sufficient to demonstrate eligibility for a disabled Veterans reduced-fee hunting license.

AB 1972 (Chau) would extend eligibility for the state's existing Distinguished Veteran State Park day use pass, which currently is available to Veterans with disabilities who served during war time, to also include Veterans with a service-connected disability who served during peace time. AB 1972 is also pending in this committee.

SB 1081 (Morell) which is currently pending in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee would require the DFW to provide free hunting licenses to disabled Veterans and recovering service members.

1. Support Arguments: The California Sport Fishing League is sponsoring this bill to make fishing and hunting more accessible to California Veterans. They assert that California is the most expensive state in the Nation to fish, making the need for this bill timely. According to a study developed by the League, fishing license sales have decreased by over 50% since 1980, and the League believes that the high cost of fishing licenses is a barrier to participation. The League considers this bill as a first step to reforming the state's costly and antiquated fishing license program. Most importantly, the League is sponsoring this bill to reward American Veterans who have defended our freedom with honor, and to assist them with rehabilitation by providing access to recreation for them and their families.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

American G.I. Forum of California

American Legion- Department of California

AMVETS- Department of California

California Association of County Veterans Service Officers

California State Commanders Veterans Council

Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters

VFW- Department of California

Vietnam Veterans of America- California State Council

Opposition

None on File

Analysis Prepared by: John Spangler / V.A. / (916) 319-3550

Date of Hearing: March 29, 2016

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WATER, PARKS, AND WILDLIFE

Marc Levine, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1844 (

Author:Gallagher) – As Amended Ver:March 10, 2016

SUBJECT: Hunting and fishing licenses: reduced license fees: Veterans

SUMMARY: Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to reduce the fee for a hunting license, sport fishing license, and lifetime licenses, sold to a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires DFW to reduce the fee required to obtain a lifetime sportsman's license, an annual or lifetime hunting license, or an annual or lifetime sport fishing license, by 25%, for any resident of the state who is a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces and who was honorably discharged.
2. Prohibits the Fish and Game Commission (FGC) from increasing license fees for non-veterans to make up the loss of revenue to DFW from the Veteran discount.
3. Requires DFW to reduce the fee required to obtain any sport fishing report card, validation, or other entitlement required in addition to a sport fishing license by 25% for any resident of the state who is a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces and was honorably discharged, and by 50% for a Veteran who has a 50% or greater service-connected disability. Prohibits FGC from increasing the fee required to obtain a sport fishing report card, validation, or other entitlement for nonveterans to make up the loss of revenue to DFW from the Veteran discount.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Requires an annual hunting license to be issued to any resident of the state age 18 years or older upon payment of a base fee of $31.25, to persons under age 18 years upon payment of a base fee of $8.25, and to nonresident adults upon payment of a base fee of $108.50. The base fees are applicable to the 2004 license year and are adjusted annually based on changes in the Implicit Price Deflator. With annual adjustments, the current fee levels for annual hunting licenses for 2015 are: $47.01 for an adult resident hunting license, $12.45 for a junior hunting license, and $163.65 for a nonresident hunting license.
2. Requires a sport fishing license to be issued to a resident, 16 years of age or older, for a base fee of $31.25, and to a nonresident for a base fee of $84. The base fees apply to the 2004 license year. With annual adjustments, the current license fee for a resident adult sport fishing license in 2015 is $47.01, and for nonresidents is $126.36.
3. Authorizes a disabled Veteran or recovering service member to purchase a reduced-fee hunting license, or a reduced-fee sport fishing license, for a base fee of $4.00, which with annual adjustments is currently $6.95. Defines a disabled Veteran as a person having a 50% or greater service-connected disability and an honorable discharge from military service. A recovering service member is a member of the military, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy and is in an outpatient status while recovering from a serious injury or illness related to the member's military service.
4. Requires a lifetime hunting license or lifetime sport fishing license to be issued upon payment of a base fee that ranges from $365 to $600, depending on the age of the applicant. The base fee is applicable to the 2004 license year. Current lifetime hunting and sport fishing license fees after annual adjustments range from $517 to $844.50, depending on age. Additional lifetime packages are also available for bird hunting, big game hunting and additional fishing privileges.
5. Requires that the first $20 of fees collected from initial sales of lifetime hunting and fishing licenses be deposited in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund, and the balance deposited in the Lifetime License Trust Account, with the principal subject to investment. Authorizes the money in the Trust Account to be invested through the Surplus Money Investment Fund of the State, and for the interest to accrue to the Trust Fund. Further requires that DFW transfer $29.25 from the Lifetime License Trust Account to the Fish and Game Preservation Fund upon issuance of each annual renewal of a lifetime hunting or fishing license.
6. Requires the Fish and Game Commission (FGC) to adjust the amount of all of the above fees as necessary to fully recover, but not exceed, all reasonable administrative and implementation costs of the DFW and FGC relating to those licenses.
7. Makes reduced-fee sport fishing licenses available to low income seniors for $6.95, and for free to low income Native Americans and persons who are blind, developmentally disabled, or mobility impaired. Also makes free motor vehicle hunting licenses available to any mobility impaired disabled hunter who must use a motor vehicle to pursue game, and is either permanently or fully confined to a wheel chair, is an amputee, or depends on the aid of a walker or crutches to walk.
8. Requires the purchase of certain sport fishing report cards, validations, or entitlements, in addition to a sport fishing license, to fish for certain species of fish or in certain locations. Examples of sport fishing report cards include a sport fishing ocean enhancement stamp, a steelhead trout report card, a second rod sport fishing validation, and a salmon punch card.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown loss of revenues to DFW from discount sales of hunting and fishing licenses to Veterans.

COMMENTS: This bill would require the DFW to issue reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses, and other sport fishing report cards required to fish in addition to a sport fishing license, to Veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

1. Author's Statement: The current discounted fee for hunting and fishing licenses in California only applies to disabled or recovering Veterans. The author of this bill seeks to give Veterans more access to outdoor recreation opportunities in California by providing discounted hunting and fishing license fees to all Veterans, and to additionally provide discounts to Veterans for sport fishing report cards that are required to take specific fish or to fish in certain areas, in addition to a sport fishing license.
   
   The author intends with this bill to give more access to California Veterans and anticipates that increasing access will expand participation in hunting and fishing by Veterans, their families, and friends. This expanded participation should introduce more people to sport fishing and hunting and could lead to increased sales of licenses in future years. The author acknowledges that one concern with this bill may be its potential fiscal effects on the DFW. However, the author asserts that the decrease in revenue from Veterans' purchases of discounted fishing and hunting licenses should be made up through an increased sales volume.
2. Background: The DFW reports that in 2015, California issued approximately 14,174 disabled Veteran sport fishing licenses, which are issued on a calendar year basis. For the 2014/15 hunting license year, approximately 3,500 disabled Veteran hunting licenses were issued. Hunting licenses are issued on a fiscal year basis, from July through June. DFW also indicates that fewer than 50 recovering service member licenses have been issued each year since that program began in 2013. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, there are approximately 1.8 million Veterans living in California, with 331,645 receiving monthly disability compensation as of 2014. This bill if enacted would therefore increase from approximately 331,600 to 1.8 million the number of individuals who would be eligible to purchase a reduced-fee hunting or sport fishing license.
   
   DFW Revenue Impacts: This bill prohibits the FGC from increasing the fees for hunting and fishing licenses and sport fishing report cards sold to nonveterans in order to recoup the loss of revenue from increased sales of discounted licenses to Veterans. According to DFW, 17.1% percent of DFW's total budget comes from sales of sport fishing and hunting licenses. If the availability of discounted licenses to Veterans results in a loss of revenue to DFW that is not made up through increased license sales, as the author hopes will be the case, DFW could face a deficit in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund without a means of recouping it. This could lead to a structural imbalance in the fund, unless that imbalance is made up through increased appropriations to DFW from other funding sources. This bill, by offering discounted lifetime licenses to an expanded pool of applicants could also lead to a deficit in the Lifetime License Trust Account if fees collected for lifetime fishing or hunting licenses are insufficient to cover the costs of those licenses.
   
   National Security Providers: Benefits for Veterans such as reduced-fee hunting and sport fishing licenses, or state park day use passes, have traditionally been extended in this state to Veterans with disabilities. This bill would expand such benefits to all Veterans of the Armed Services. In today's complex and interconnected world, the universe of individuals who provide national security services has arguably expanded to include other service professions. In addition to the armed services, there are other forms of public service that also put the service providers potentially in harm's way. Extending reduced-fee benefits to all Veterans could raise policy questions as to why such benefits shouldn't also be extended to individuals who serve their country or community in other ways, including but not necessarily limited to, fire fighters, peace officers, National Security Administration officers, ambulance drivers, and other first responders. Where to draw the line in determining who is deserving of such benefits also raises fiscal challenges regarding how to fund such state services.
   
3. Double-Referral: If this bill is approved by this committee it is double-referred to and will be heard next in the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs.
   
4. Prior and Related Legislation: SB 1287 (Harman), Chapter 409, Statutes of 2012, and SB 1288 (Harman), Chapter 410, Statutes of 2012, required DFW to offer reduced fee sport fishing and hunting licenses to military personnel who are recovering service members.

AB 1387 (Runner) of 2007 would have required reduced fee hunting and fishing licenses and free state park passes to be made available to members of the California National Guard. AB 1387 was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

AB 1527 (Committee on Water, Parks & Wildlife), Chapter 154, Statutes of 2015, made technical changes to clarify the documentation that is sufficient to demonstrate eligibility for a disabled Veterans reduced-fee hunting license.

AB 1972 (Chau) would extend eligibility for the state's existing Distinguished Veteran State Park day use pass, which currently is available to Veterans with disabilities who served during war time, to also include Veterans with a service-connected disability who served during peace time. AB 1972 is also pending in this committee.

SB 1081 (Morell) which is currently pending in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee would require the DFW to provide free hunting licenses to disabled Veterans and recovering service members.

1. Support Arguments: The California Sport Fishing League is sponsoring this bill to make fishing and hunting more accessible to California Veterans. They assert that California is the most expensive state in the Nation to fish, making the need for this bill timely. According to a study developed by the League, fishing license sales have decreased by over 50% since 1980, and the League believes that the high cost of fishing licenses is a barrier to participation. The League considers this bill as a first step to reforming the state's costly and antiquated fishing license program. Most importantly, the League is sponsoring this bill to reward American Veterans who have defended our freedom with honor, and to assist them with rehabilitation by providing access to recreation for them and their families.
2. Opposition Arguments: No formal opposition was received, however, since this bill would significantly expand the pool of individuals eligible for a reduced-fee hunting or fishing license, and prohibits the DFW from increasing license fees for nonveterans in order to recoup the loss of revenue, this bill could result in a significant loss of licensing fee revenue to DFW, and a structural imbalance in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund, if the revenue loss is not recouped by some other means.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

California Sport Fishing League (Sponsor)

California Waterfowl Association

Opposition

None on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Diane Colborn / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096