Existing law requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to implement and administer various wildlife protection and habitat conservation programs and to enforce the states hunting and fishing laws. Existing law requires the department to issue hunting licenses that authorize the take of birds and mammals, and sport fishing licenses that authorize the take of fish, reptiles, or amphibians, in accordance with prescribed laws. Existing law sets the fees for those licenses at specified rates and requires those fees to be adjusted annually for inflation. Existing law requires the department to issue reduced fee hunting and sport fishing licenses to specified individuals, as provided.

This bill would require the department, until January 1, 2031, to issue 2032, to issue, beginning no later than January 1, 2027, a reduced fee hunting license to a qualified recipient who is a resident of the state and has not been convicted of a violation of the Fish and Game Code and has provided adequate documentation to the department, as specified. department. The bill would prohibit the department from providing a reduced fee hunting license to a person unless the department is satisfied that the person provided adequate documentation of eligibility. The bill would also require the department, until January 1, 2031, 2032, to issue reduced fee sport fishing licenses in accordance with these provisions. The bill would require the Director of Fish and Wildlife to submit a report to the Legislature on or before October 1, 2029, that evaluates the effect of the reduced fee for hunting and sport fishing licenses, as specified.

Existing law requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to implement and administer various wildlife protection and habitat conservation programs and to enforce the states hunting and fishing laws. Existing law requires the department to issue hunting licenses that authorize the take of birds and mammals, and sport fishing licenses that authorize the take of fish, reptiles, or amphibians, in accordance with prescribed laws. Existing law sets the fees for those licenses at specified rates and requires those fees to be adjusted annually for inflation. Existing law requires the department to issue reduced fee hunting and sport fishing licenses to specified individuals, as provided.

This bill would require the department, until January 1, 2031, to issue a reduced fee hunting license to a qualified recipient who is a resident of the state and has not been convicted of a violation of the Fish and Game Code and has provided adequate documentation to the department, as specified. The bill would prohibit the department from providing a reduced fee hunting license to a person unless the department is satisfied that the person provided adequate documentation of eligibility. The bill would also require the department, until January 1, 2031, to issue reduced fee sport fishing licenses in accordance with these provisions. The bill would require the Director of Fish and Wildlife to submit a report to the Legislature on or before October 1, 2029, that evaluates the effect of the reduced fee for hunting and sport fishing licenses, as specified.

Existing law requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to implement and administer various wildlife protection and habitat conservation programs and to enforce the states hunting and fishing laws. Existing law requires the department to issue hunting licenses that authorize the take of birds and mammals, and sport fishing licenses that authorize the take of fish, reptiles, or amphibians, in accordance with prescribed laws. Existing law sets the fees for those licenses at specified rates and requires those fees to be adjusted annually for inflation. Existing law requires the department to issue reduced fee hunting and sport fishing licenses to specified individuals individuals, as provided.

This bill would require the department department, until January 1, 2031, to issue a reduced fee hunting license to a qualified recipient who is a resident of the state and has not been convicted of a violation of the Fish and Game Code and has provided adequate documentation to the department, as specified. The bill would prohibit the department from providing a reduced fee hunting license to a person unless the department is satisfied that the person provided adequate documentation of eligibility. The bill would also require the department department, until January 1, 2031, to issue reduced fee sport fishing license licenses in accordance with these provisions. The bill would require the Director of Fish and Wildlife to submit a report to the Legislature on or before October 1, 2029, that evaluates the effect of the reduced fee for hunting and sport fishing licenses, as specified.

Existing law requires that upon revision of a source reduction and recycling element of a countywide integrated waste management plan, the county waste characterization component identify the constituent materials that comprise the solid waste disposed of within the unincorporated areas of that county.

This bill would make nonsubstantive changes to the above provision.

Date of Hearing: August 20, 2025

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Buffy Wicks, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 718

Author:(Dahle) – As Amended Ver:July 16, 2025

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

SUMMARY:

This bill expands eligibility for reduced-fee sport fishing and hunting licenses until January 1, 2032, to persons receiving public benefits under specified programs. The bill also requires the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report to the Legislature evaluating the effect of the reduced fee-licenses.

Specifically, this bill, among other things:

1. Requires CDFW, beginning no later than January 1, 2027, and until January 1, 2032, to issue to a qualified recipient, who is a resident of the state and has not been convicted of a violation of the Fish and Game Code (code), a reduced-fee hunting license (as provided) that authorizes the licensee to take a bird or mammal as authorized by the code and regulations adopted pursuant to the code.
2. Defines “qualified recipient” as a person receiving public benefits under (1) the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program or (2) the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs program) or a federal Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) grant program. Requires the Fish and Game Commission (FGC) to adopt regulations to establish which material demonstrates receipt of public benefits under these programs.
3. Requires a person applying for a reduced-fee hunting license pursuant to this bill to submit adequate documentation to CDFW to determine whether the person is, in fact, eligible for a reduced-fee hunting license. Prohibits CDFW from providing a reduced-fee hunting license to a person unless it is satisfied the person has provided adequate documentation of eligibility for that license.
4. Requires CDFW, until January 1, 2032, to issue reduced-fee sport fishing licenses to a qualified recipient who is a resident of the state and submits adequate documentation, in accordance with the aforementioned provisions and other existing requirements, as provided.
5. Requires CDFW, by October 1, 2029, to submit a report to the Legislature that evaluates the effect of reduced-fee for hunting and sport fishing licenses, as specified. Requires CDFW, for purposes of this report, to collect all relevant, appropriate, and sufficient data necessary to evaluate the effect of the reduced-fee licenses to sport fishing and hunting participation in the state, including information about data collection and enforcement costs, as specified.

FISCAL EFFECT:

CDFW will incur ongoing annual costs of an unknown, but potentially significant, amount (Fish and Game Preservation Fund (FGPF)) to determine proof of eligibility, evaluate effects of the reduced-fee, and report to the Legislature, among other tasks. To the extent expanded eligibility for reduced-fee licenses results in CDFW issuing more licenses, the department will incur increased costs related to processing and issuing additional licenses, oversight, and enforcement. In addition, this bill will result in forgone revenue of an unknown, but potentially significant, amount (FGPF) for licenses purchased at a lower price than they would cost otherwise absent this bill. Some of these costs and foregone revenue will likely be offset to the extent individuals who do not typically or have not historically purchased full-priced annual hunting or 365-day sport fishing licenses purchase reduced-fee licenses.

For its part, CDFW notes, in 2024, approximately 3.11% of California’s population 16 years of age or older purchased a full-price 365-day sport fishing license. If 3.11% of the 3.48 million California residents 16 years of age or older participating in the federal SNAP program that are not already participating in an existing free or reduced-fee sport fishing license program take advantage of the proposed reduced-fee sport fishing license, CDFW estimates, at minimum, a reduction in sport fishing license sales revenue of approximately $3.48 million. Current law requires approximately 33% of all sport fishing license fees collected (except fees collected through the sale of Abalone Report Cards) be deposited into the Hatchery and Inland Fisheries Fund. Based on CDFW’s estimate, this bill would reduce sales revenue to the Hatchery and Inland Fisheries Fund by approximately $1.16 million and sales revenue to the FGPF by approximately $2.32 million.

During the 2024 hunting license year, approximately 0.68% of California’s population 16 years of age or older purchased a full-price annual fishing license. CDFW estimates that if 0.68% of the 3.48 million California residents 16 years of age or older participating in the federal SNAP program that are not already participating in an existing reduced-fee hunting license program take advantage of the proposed reduced-fee hunting license, this bill would result in an estimated minimum loss in hunting license sales revenue of approximately $858,000.

CDFW notes its estimates are based only on California resident participation in the federal SNAP program who are 16 years of age and older. At the time this analysis was prepared, neither the department nor this committee was able to obtain similar participation statistics for residents by age group for the CalWORKs or Tribal TANF grant programs – although it is reasonable to assume there is overlap among these programs.

Finally, CDFW contends it would need to hire at least 17 new staff, resulting in ongoing annual General Fund costs of approximately $2.5 million for a wide range of tasks to implement this bill.

COMMENTS:

1) Purpose. According to the author:

[This bill] increases access to California’s shared natural resources by expanding eligibility of reduced fee hunting and fishing license programs to economically challenged Californians. Although the cost of a license may seem small, it does add one more barrier to an already costly activity that allows and encourages Californians to get outdoors.

2) Background. Hunting and fishing licenses grant individuals the privilege and legal right to take birds, mammals, and fish. The fee for a 365-day resident sport fishing license and for a resident hunting license is currently $62.90.

Several groups of people are eligible to receive reduced-fee licenses. For example, disabled veterans and recovering service members can qualify for lower-cost hunting and sport fishing licenses. Low-income resident seniors aged 65 and older (who receive Supplemental Security Income or Cash Assistance Program for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Legal Immigrants) can receive reduced-fee fishing licenses. These discounted licenses generally cost around $10. Additionally, free sport fishing licenses are available for low-income Native Americans, people who are mobility-impaired, blind, or developmentally disabled. In addition, CDFW offers two free hunting and fishing days each year, though certain requirements, like hunter education, still apply.

On average, about 20,200 individuals receive a disabled veteran fishing license; 1,420 individuals receive a low-income senior fishing license; seven individuals receive a recovering service member fishing license; and 14,230 individuals receive a free sport fishing license, annually. For hunting, about 5,190 individuals receive a disabled veterans hunting license and three individuals receive a recovering service members hunting license, annually. For context, every year, roughly 1.075 million residents purchase a sport fishing license and 228,000 residents purchase a hunting license.

CDFW has experienced longstanding budget challenges which have persisted despite repeated efforts over many years to address them. The department’s service-based budgeting (SBB) analysis for FY 2023-24 indicates the department (including its “Public Use & Enjoyment” program – where most of the tasks associated with sport fishing and hunting are located) is funded for only one-third of its mandated program work. The SBB effort highlights the degree to which DFW operates with significant gaps between what is required to achieve its mandated mission and the level at which it is currently funded.

Analysis Prepared by: Nikita Koraddi / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: July 15, 2025

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WATER, PARKS, AND WILDLIFE

Diane Papan, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 718

Author:(Dahle) – As Amended Ver:May 23, 2025

SENATE VOTE: 39-0

SUBJECT: Hunting and sport fishing licenses: reduced fees

SUMMARY: Expands the eligibility for reduced fee sport fishing and hunting licenses until January 1, 2031 to those eligible for certain state and federal assistance programs for low income individuals and families. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to issue a reduced fee hunting license to a state resident who is a qualified recipient, as provided.
   1. A qualified recipient is a person eligible for either the California Alternative Rates for Energy or Family Electric Rate Assistance program.
   2. The reduced fee is $4 (note: 1995 base year with indexing, about $10 now).
2. Requires a qualified recipient to provide adequate documentation to CDFW for CDFW to determine whether the person is eligible. Requires the Fish and Game Commission (Commission) to adopt regulations to establish the material necessary to demonstrate eligibility.
   1. Defines adequate documentation to mean material demonstrating eligibility for any of the following programs:
      1. Medicaid or Medi­-Cal;
      2. The Low­ Income Home Energy Assistance Program;
      3.  The California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children;
      4. CalFresh or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program;
      5. The federal Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) grant program;
      6. A tribal Head Start program;
      7. Supplemental Security Income;
      8. Medi-­Cal for Families (Healthy Families A and B);
      9. The federal National School Lunch Program; or
      10. The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance program.
3. Prevents CDFW from providing a reduced fee license until it is satisfied with the adequate documentation.
4. Requires CDFW to issue a reduced fee sport fishing license to a qualified recipient who submits adequate documentation, as provided.
5. Requires the director of CDFW to submit a written report to the Legislature that evaluates the effect of the reduced fee for hunting and sport fishing licenses, as specified, on or before October 1, 2029.
6. Sunsets the reduced fee hunting and sport fishing licenses established by this bill on January 1, 2031.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Requires the Commission to determine the form of all licenses, permits, tags, reservations, and other entitlements issued pursuant to the Fish and Game Code, and the method of carrying and displaying all licenses, except for those programs where CDFW has fee-setting authority, in which case CDFW retains that authority. Authorizes CDFW and the Commission to set or adjust fees [Fish and Game Code (FGC) § 1050].
2. Requires that money collected under any state law relating to the protection or propagation of fish and game shall be used for activities relating thereto (California Constitution, Article XVI, § 9).
3. Declares the legislative intent that the costs of hunting and sport fishing programs shall be provided out of hunting and sport fishing revenues and reimbursements and federal funds received for hunting and sport fishing programs, and other funds appropriated by the Legislature for this purpose (FGC § 711).
4. Requires a resident or a nonresident, 16 years of age or older, upon payment of a specified fee, to be issued a sport fishing license. The angler must possess the license while fishing (FGC § 7149.05).
5. Requires a resident or nonresident to be issued a hunting license upon payment of a specified fee (FGC § 3031).
6. Requires the Commission to adjust the amount of the fees for sport fishing licenses, as prescribed, to fully recover, but not exceed, all reasonable administrative and implementation costs of CDFW and the Commission relating to those licenses (FGC §1050).
7. Requires CDFW to issue a reduced fee sport fishing license to specified applicants, including a resident of the state over 65 years of age who meets certain additional criteria, a disabled veteran, and a recovering service member, as defined. Similarly, requires CDFW to issue a reduced fee hunting license to specified applicants, including a disabled veteran and a recovering service member, as defined, who meet certain additional criteria (FGC § 7150).

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. This bill is keyed fiscal.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose of this bill. According to the author, “[This bill] increases access to California’s shared natural resources by expanding eligibility of reduced fee hunting and fishing license programs to economically challenged Californians. Although the cost of a license may seem small, it does add one more barrier to an already costly activity that allows and encourages Californians to get outdoors.”
2. Background. Hunting and fishing licenses grant individuals the privilege and legal right to take birds, mammals, and fish. The fee for a 365-day resident sport fishing license is currently $62.90 and the fee for an annual resident hunting license for the 2024–25 season is $61.82.

Several groups of people are eligible to receive reduced fee licenses. These include disabled veterans and recovering service members (i.e., a member of the Armed Forces 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), who qualify for lower-cost hunting and sport fishing licenses. Low-income resident seniors aged 65 and older can also receive reduced-fee fishing licenses. These discounted licenses generally cost around $10. Additionally, free sport fishing licenses are available for low-income Native Americans, people who are mobility-impaired, blind, or developmentally disabled. On top of these programs, the CDFW offers two free hunting and fishing days each year, though certain requirements, like hunter education, still apply.

On average, about 20,200 individuals receive a disabled veteran fishing license; 1,420 individuals receive a low income senior fishing license; seven individuals receive a recovering service member fishing license; and 14,230 individuals receive a free sport fishing license, annually. For hunting, about 5,190 individuals receive a disabled veterans hunting license and three individuals receive a recovering service members hunting license, annually. For context, every year, roughly 1.075 million residents purchase a sport fishing license and 228,000 residents purchase a hunting license.

Hunting for hunters, angling for anglers. As these figures suggest, participation is low, but consistent in the reduced fee programs for disabled veterans, and, for sport fishing, for low-income seniors. Although license fee costs are often cited as an obstacle to hunting and sport fishing participation, equipment and related travel costs reported in national survey data far outweigh even regular license fees. According to the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated: Recreation: National Overview, license fees accounted for 1% of overall fishing expenditures in 2016. It remains unclear that the cost of a state’s licenses is a significant impediment to participation in angling.

In the last 40 years, there has been a steady decline in annual sport fishing license sales. For example, annual sport fishing license sales are half their 1970s levels and hunting licenses are around a third of their 1970s numbers. Notably, these participation declines occurred at the same time as California’s population approximately doubled.

California is not unique in this regard, as hunting and angling participation has also declined nationally overall which has stimulated the nationwide “R3” effort for the “recruitment, reactivation, and retention” of anglers and hunters. These efforts have not been able to reverse the downward trend in resident participation to date.

1. Policy considerations. CDFW has longstanding budget concerns which have persisted despite repeated efforts over multiple decades to address them. Most recently, the Legislature directed CDFW to conduct a “service-based” budgeting analysis to better understand staffing needs for fulfilling its mission. CDFW’s services were grouped into eight broad categories for review. In 2021, the results showed that CDFW lacked the funding to meet its target service levels. In particular, the “Public Use & Enjoyment” program—which includes most hunting and sport fishing activities—was only funded at about one-third of its mission level. A more recent update found this number has barely improved, with the program currently operating at 31% of its required capacity. Within that program, sport fishing is at a 70% capacity gap, and both game and non-game species management have a 67% gap.

This bill would expand eligibility for a reduced fee license. While these changes could help boost participation, it may also reduce overall revenue if individuals, who would have previously paid full price, instead shift into the new discounted licenses.

1. Proposed committee amendments. As written, only those eligible to participate in either the California Alternative Rates for Energy or Family Electric Rate Assistance programs are qualified recipients. This requirement limits the scope of this bill to individuals and families that receive assistance in service areas under the jurisdiction of the California Public Utilities Commission. Further, this bill requires CDFW to determine eligibility for these programs—a responsibility and effort outside of its mission. Existing discount programs at both CDFW and the Department of Parks and Recreation are generally associated with enrollment in programs, which likely reduces workload for the departments. Finally, as noted in the Senate Natural Resources and Water analysis of this bill, it may take some time for CDFW and the Commission to implement the proposed reduced fee program, particularly in view of the current state budget. To this end, the committee may wish the author to consider the following amendments:

Amendment 1 – Change the definition of a “qualified person” to mean someone who is receiving benefits from programs that are operated statewide:

3033.2 (….)

(d) For the purposes of this section, a “qualified person” means any person who is receiving public benefits under one or more of the following programs: the following terms have the following meanings:

(1) California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act (CalWORKs program) under Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11200) of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code or a federal Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) grant program (Section 10553.25 of the Welfare and Institutions Code).

(2) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Chapter 51 (commencing with Section 2011) of Title 7 of the United States Code).

(1) “Adequate documentation” means material demonstrating eligibility for any of the following programs:

(A) Medicaid or Medi­Cal.

(B) The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

(C) The California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

(D) CalFresh or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

(E) The federal Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) grant program.

(F) A tribal Head Start program.

(G) Supplemental Security Income.

(H) Medi­Cal for Families (Healthy Families A and B).

(I) The federal National School Lunch Program.

(J) The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance program.

(2)  “Qualified recipient” means a person eligible for either of the following:

(A) The California Alternative Rates for Energy program.

(B) The Family Electric Rate Assistance program.

Amendment 2 – Delay the timeline of the bill one year to allow for implementation:

3033.2  (a) Pursuant to this section, no later than January 1, 2027, the department shall issue to a qualified recipient, who is a resident of the state and has not been convicted of a violation of this code, a reduced fee hunting license that authorizes the licensee to take a bird or mammal as authorized by this code and regulations adopted pursuant to this code.

(…)

(e) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2032, 2031, and as of that date is repealed.

7150 (…)

(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2032, 2031 and as of that date is repealed.

1. Related legislation. AB 293 (Alanis) of 2023 would have required CDFW to issue lifetime hunting licenses and lifetime sport fishing licenses to eligible Gold Star Family members at no cost. AB 293 was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

SB 470 (Jones) of 2021 would have required CDFW to issue a combined hunting and sport fishing license valid for 12-consecutive-months after issuance, as provided. SB 470 was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

AB 817 (Wood), Chapter 607, Statutes of 2021 authorizes, among other things, the CDFW director to issue a 12-consecutive-month sport fishing license.

AB 2465 (Gallagher) of 2018 would have established an advisory group related to the decline in sport fishing license sales, as provided. AB 2465 died on suspense in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

None on file

Opposition

None on file

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

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: SB 718

Author: Dahle (R) and Allen (D)

Amended: 5/23/25

Vote: 21

SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 6-0, 4/22/25

AYES: Limón, Seyarto, Allen, Grove, Laird, Stern

NO VOTE RECORDED: Hurtado

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 6-0, 5/23/25

AYES: Caballero, Seyarto, Cabaldon, Grayson, Richardson, Wahab

NO VOTE RECORDED: Dahle

SUBJECT: Hunting and sport fishing licenses: reduced fees

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill expands the eligibility for reduced fee sport fishing and hunting licenses until January 1, 2031 to those eligible for certain state and federal assistance programs for low income individuals and families, as provided.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the California Fish and Game Commission (commission) in the California Natural Resources Agency.
   1. CDFW’s charge includes, among other things, to manage the state’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources.
   2. In general, the commission sets regulations that CDFW implements and enforces. CDFW also provides data and expertise to inform the commission’s decision-making process.
2. Requires the commission to determine the form of all licenses, permits, tags, reservations, and other entitlements issued pursuant to the Fish and Game Code, and the method of carrying and displaying all licenses, except for those programs where CDFW has fee-setting authority, in which case CDFW retains that authority. Authorizes CDFW and the commission to set or adjust fees, as specified. (Fish and Game Code (FGC) §1050)
3. Requires that money collected under any state law relating to the protection or propagation of fish and game shall be used for activities relating thereto. (California Constitution, Article XVI, §9)
4. Declares the legislative intent that the costs of hunting and sport fishing programs shall be provided out of hunting and sport fishing revenues and reimbursements and federal funds received for hunting and sport fishing programs, and other funds appropriated by the Legislature for this purpose, as specified. (FGC §711)
5. Requires a resident or a nonresident, 16 years of age or older, upon payment of a specified fee, to be issued a 365 day sport fishing license. The angler must possess the license while fishing. (FGC §7149.05) Requires a resident or nonresident to be issued a hunting license upon payment of a specified fee, as provided. (FGC §3031)
6. Requires the commission to adjust the amount of the fees for sport fishing licenses, as prescribed, to fully recover, but not exceed, all reasonable administrative and implementation costs of CDFW and the commission relating to those licenses. (FGC §1050)
7. Requires CDFW to issue a reduced fee sport fishing license to specified applicants, including a resident of the state over 65 years of age who meets certain additional criteria, a disabled veteran, and a recovering service member, as defined. Similarly, requires CDFW to issue a reduced fee hunting license to specified applicants, including a disabled veteran and a recovering service member, as defined, who meet certain additional criteria.

This bill:

1. Requires CDFW to issue a reduced fee hunting license to a state resident who is a qualified recipient, as provided.
   1. A qualified recipient is a person eligible for either the California Alternative Rates for Energy or Family Electric Rate Assistance program.
   2. The reduced fee is $4 (1995 base year with indexing, about $10 now).
2. Requires a qualified recipient to provide adequate documentation to CDFW for CDFW to determine whether the person is eligible. Requires the commission to adopt regulations to establish the material necessary to demonstrate eligibility.
   1. Defines adequate documentation to mean material demonstrating eligibility for any of the following programs:
      1. Medicaid or Medi­-Cal.
      2. The Low­ Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
      3.  The California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
      4. CalFresh or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
      5. The federal Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) grant program.
      6. A tribal Head Start program.
      7. Supplemental Security Income.
      8. Medi-­Cal for Families (Healthy Families A and B).
      9. The federal National School Lunch Program.
      10. The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance program.
3. Requires CDFW to not provide a reduced fee license until it is satisfied with the adequate documentation.
4. Requires CDFW to issue a reduced fee sport fishing license to a qualified recipient who submits adequate documentation, as provided.
5. Requires the director of CDFW to submit a written report to the Legislature that evaluates the effect of the reduced fee for hunting and sport fishing licenses, as specified, on or before October 1, 2029.
6. Sunsets the reduced fee hunting and sport fishing licenses established by this bill on January 1, 2031.

Background

Hunting and sport fishing in the state require participants to obtain licenses from CDFW. The fee for a 365-day resident sport fishing license in 2025 is currently $62.90. The fee for an annual resident hunting license in the 2024/2025 season is $61.82. In addition, certain sport fishing validations, stamps, and cards for specified areas and circumstance are required, as are certain tags, stamps, and validations to take particular game animals in season or to participate in certain hunts.

Reduced fee or free sport fishing and hunting licenses.Disabled veterans and recovering service members who meet certain criteria are eligible for reduced fee hunting and sport fishing licenses. Reduced fee fishing licenses for low income resident seniors, 65 years of age or older, who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Cash Assistance Program for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Legal Immigrants (CAPI) are also available. The cost of the reduced fee licenses are about $10. Additionally, free sport fishing licenses are available to low income Native Americans, the mobility-impaired, blind, or developmentally disabled, as provided.

In addition to the existing reduced cost licenses, two free hunting and sport fishing days are offered annually by CDFW, subject to certain requirements (e.g. hunter education, etc.). (FGC §§3040, 7149.7) Further, no fishing license is required to take fish by any legal means from a public pier as designated by the commission. (FGC §7153)

For sport fishing from 2020 – 2024, inclusive, about 20,200; 1,420; 7; and 14,230 persons have participated on average in the disabled veteran, low income senior, recovering service member, and free sport fishing licenses for certain residents, respectively. For hunting, about 5,190 and 3 disabled veterans and recovering service members, respectively, have participated on average annually for 2020 – 2024, inclusive. For context, there are about 1.075 million resident sport fishing 365-day, and 220,000 annual resident hunter licenses sold annually.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:

• Unknown but potentially significant costs, likely in the hundreds of thousands of dollars annually (Fish and Game Preservation Fund [FGPF]) for CDFW to promulgate regulations related to proof of eligibility, evaluate effects of the reduced fee, and report to the legislature. To the extent that expanded eligibility for reduced fee licenses results in more licenses being issued, CDFW could have increased costs related to processing and issuing additional licenses, oversight, and enforcement.
• Forgone revenue of an unknown but potentially significant amount (FGPF) for licenses purchased at a lower price than they would cost otherwise absent this bill.

SUPPORT: (Verified 5/23/25)

None received

OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/23/25)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author, “SB 718 increases access to California’s shared natural resources by expanding eligibility of reduced fee hunting and fishing license programs to economically challenged Californians. Although the cost of a license may seem small, it does add one more barrier to an already costly activity that allows and encourages Californians to get outdoors.”

Prepared by: Katharine Moore / N.R. & W. / (916) 651-4116

5/27/25 14:20:14

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Anna Caballero, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular Session

SB 718 (Dahle) - Hunting and sport fishing licenses: reduced fees

Bill Summary:

This bill would expand the eligibility for reduced fee sport fishing and hunting licenses to residents of the state eligible for certain state and federal assistance programs for low income individuals and families until 2031, as provided. It would also require the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to evaluate effects of the reduced fee and report to the legislature.

*********** ANALYSIS ADDENDUM – SUSPENSE FILE ***********

The following information is revised to reflect amendments

adopted by the committee on May 23, 2025

Fiscal Impact:

• Unknown but potentially significant costs, likely in the hundreds of thousands of dollars annually (Fish and Game Preservation Fund [FGPF]) for CDFW to promulgate regulations related to proof of eligibility, evaluate effects of the reduced fee, and report to the legislature. To the extent that expanded eligibility for reduced fee licenses results in more licenses being issued, CDFW could have increased costs related to processing and issuing additional licenses, oversight, and enforcement.
• Forgone revenue of an unknown but potentially significant amount (FGPF) for licenses purchased at a lower price than they would cost otherwise absent this bill.

Committee Amendments:

Committee amendments would make technical changes.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Senator Anna Caballero, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular Session

SB 718 (Dahle) - Hunting and sport fishing licenses: reduced fees

Bill Summary:

This bill would expand the eligibility for reduced fee sport fishing and hunting licenses to residents of the state eligible for certain state and federal assistance programs for low income individuals and families until 2031, as provided. It would also require the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to evaluate effects of the reduced fee and report to the legislature.

Fiscal Impact:

• Unknown but potentially significant costs, likely in the hundreds of thousands of dollars annually (Fish and Game Preservation Fund [FGPF]) for CDFW to promulgate regulations related to proof of eligibility, evaluate effects of the reduced fee, and report to the legislature. To the extent that expanded eligibility for reduced fee licenses results in more licenses being issued, CDFW could have increased costs related to processing and issuing additional licenses, oversight, and enforcement.
• Forgone revenue of an unknown but potentially significant amount (FGPF) for licenses purchased at a lower price than they would cost otherwise absent this bill.

Background:

Reduced fee or free sport fishing and hunting licenses. Disabled veterans and recovering service members who meet certain criteria are eligible for reduced fee hunting and sport fishing licenses. (FGC §§3033, 7150). Reduced fee fishing licenses for low income resident seniors, 65 years of age or older, who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Cash Assistance Program for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Legal Immigrants (CAPI) are also available (FGC §7150). The cost of the reduced fee licenses are about $10. Additionally, free sport fishing licenses are available to low income Native Americans, the mobility-impaired, blind, or developmentally disabled, as provided. (FGC §7151)

In addition to the existing reduced cost licenses, two free hunting and sport fishing days are offered annually by CDFW, subject to certain requirements (e.g. hunter education, etc.). (FGC §§3040, 7149.7) Further, no fishing license is required to take fish by any legal means from a public pier as designated by the commission. (FGC §7153)

For sport fishing from 2020 – 2024, inclusive, about 20,200; 1,420; 7; and 14,230 persons have participated on average in the disabled veteran, low income senior, recovering service member, and free sport fishing licenses for certain residents, respectively. For hunting, about 5,190 and 3 disabled veterans and recovering service members, respectively, have participated on average annually for 2020 – 2024, inclusive. For context, there are about 1.075 million resident sport fishing 365-day, and 220,000 annual resident hunter licenses sold annually.

Proposed Law:

This bill would expand the eligibility for reduced fee sport fishing and hunting licenses to residents of the state eligible for certain state and federal assistance programs for low income individuals and families. Specifically, it would:

1. Require CDFW to issue a reduced fee hunting license to a qualified recipient, who is a resident of the state, as provided.
   1. A qualified recipient is a person eligible for either the California Alternative Rates for Energy or Family Electric Rate Assistance program.
   2. The reduced fee is $4 (1995 base year with indexing, about $10 now).
2. Require a qualified recipient to provide adequate documentation to CDFW for CDFW to determine whether the person is eligible.
   1. Defines adequate documentation to mean material demonstrating eligibility for any of the following programs:
      1. Medicaid or Medi­Cal.
      2. The Low­Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
      3.  The California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
      4. CalFresh or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
      5. The federal Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) grant program.
      6. A tribal Head Start program.
      7. Supplemental Security Income.
      8. Medi­Cal for Families (Healthy Families A and B).
      9. The federal National School Lunch Program.
      10. The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance program.
3. Require CDFW to not provide a reduced fee license until it is satisfied with the adequate documentation.
4. Require the Fish and Game Commission to adopt regulations establishing which material demonstrates eligibility.
5. Require CDFW to issue a reduced fee sport fishing license to a qualified recipient who submits adequate documentation, as provided.
6. Require the Director of CDFW to submit a report to the Legislature on or before October 1, 2029, evaluating the effect of the reduced fee for hunting and sport fishing licenses, as specified.
7. Sunset these provisions on January 1, 2031.

Related Legislation:

AB 2923 (Alanis, 2023) would have required CDFW to issue lifetime hunting licenses and lifetime sport fishing licenses to eligible Gold Star Family members at no cost.

SB 470 (Jones, 2021) would have required CDFW to issue a combined hunting and sport fishing license valid for 12-consecutive-months after issuance, as provided.

AB 817 (Wood, Chapter 607, Statutes of 2021) authorized the CDFW director to issue a 12-consecutive-month sport fishing license, among other things.

AB 2465 (Gallagher, 2018) would have established an advisory group related to the decline in sport fishing license sales, as provided. (This bill died on the Suspense File in this committee.)

Staff Comments:

CDFW has longstanding budget concerns which have persisted despite repeated efforts over multiple decades to address them. Most recently, at legislative direction, CDFW undertook a “service-based” budgeting effort to identify the personnel needed to perform the services required by its mandates. CDFW’s services were separated into eight general programs for analysis. In 2021, the initial results of this effort were released that revealed that CDFW’s funding was inadequate to meet its “mission” service level. The “Public Use & Enjoyment” program – where most of the tasks associated with sport fishing and hunting are located – only had about 1/3 of the mission service level resources. The Newsom Administration proposed, and the Legislature approved, significant one-time General Fund moneys to support CDFW’s activities in the near-term. Some progress in addressing the gaps in service were subsequently made, although this was offset, at least in part, by new duties.

Unfortunately, a recent update (for fiscal year 2023/2024) shows that the Public Use & Enjoyment program resources remain at about 31% overall. Sport fishing has a gap of 920,950 hours or 70% of its mission, and game and non-game species have a gap of 270,376 hours or 67% of its mission. Sport fishing is the 6th highest category of General Fund expenditures. Hunting and Fishing Enforcement are by far the largest categories under the General Fund and the nondedicated Fish and Game Preservation Fund.

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SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER

Senator Monique Limón, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular

Bill No: SB Hearing Date: April 22, 2025

Subject: Hunting and sport fishing licenses: reduced fees

SUMMARY

This bill would expand the eligibility for reduced fee sport fishing and hunting licenses to those eligible for certain state and federal assistance programs for low income individuals and families, as provided.

BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW

Sport fishing and hunting in California – legislative direction and licensing

Existing law declares the legislative intent that the costs of hunting and sport fishing programs be provided out of hunting and sport fishing revenues and reimbursements and federal funds received for hunting and sport fishing programs, and other funds appropriated by the Legislature for this purpose, as specified, and that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) or the Fish and Game Commission (commission) establish and adjust license and other fees to cover the reasonable costs of implementing and administering a program. (Fish and Game Code (FGC) §§711, 1050)

Existing law requires every person 16 years of age or older who takes any fish, reptile or amphibian for any purpose other than profit to first obtain a sport fishing license for that purpose, with specified exceptions, and to have that license on his or her person or in his or her immediate possession when engaged in carrying out any activity authorized by the license. (FGC §7145) The fee for a 365-day resident sport fishing license in 2025 is currently $62.90.

Under existing law, a hunting license grants the privilege to take birds and mammals. Existing law requires CDFW to issue an annual hunting license to a resident or nonresident upon payment of the applicable fee. Under existing law, the annual hunting license is valid for a term of one year from July 1 to June 30, inclusive, or, if issued after the beginning of the term, for the remainder of the term. (FGC §§3031, 3037) The fee for an annual resident hunting license in the 2024/2025 season is $61.82.

Existing law requires the purchase of certain sport fishing validations, stamps, and cards for specified areas and circumstances. These include, for example, an ocean enhancement validation. Similarly, the purchase of tags, stamps, and validations to take particular game animals in season or to participate in certain hunts is also required. These are required in addition to a hunting or sport fishing license.

Reduced fee or free sport fishing and hunting licenses.

Disabled veterans and recovering service members who meet certain criteria are eligible for reduced fee hunting and sport fishing licenses. (FGC §§3033, 7150). Reduced fee fishing licenses for low income resident seniors, 65 years of age or older, who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Cash Assistance Program for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Legal Immigrants (CAPI) are also available (FGC §7150). The cost of the reduced fee licenses are about $10. Additionally, free sport fishing licenses are available to low income Native Americans, the mobility-impaired, blind, or developmentally disabled, as provided. (FGC §7151)

In addition to the existing reduced cost licenses, two free hunting and sport fishing days are offered annually by CDFW, subject to certain requirements (e.g. hunter education, etc.). (FGC §§3040, 7149.7) Further, no fishing license is required to take fish by any legal means from a public pier as designated by the commission. (FGC §7153)

For sport fishing from 2020 – 2024, inclusive, about 20,200; 1,420; 7; and 14,230 persons have participated on average in the disabled veteran, low income senior, recovering service member, and free sport fishing licenses for certain residents, respectively. For hunting, about 5,190 and 3 disabled veterans and recovering service members, respectively, have participated on average annually for 2020 – 2024, inclusive. For context, there are about 1.075 million resident sport fishing 365-day, and 220,000 annual resident hunter licenses sold annually.

Existing law:

1. Establishes CDFW and the commission in the California Natural Resources Agency.
   1. CDFW’s charge includes, among other things, to manage the state’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources.
   2. In general, the commission sets regulations that CDFW implements and enforces. CDFW also provides data and expertise to inform the commission’s decision-making process.
2. Requires the commission to determine the form of all licenses, permits, tags, reservations, and other entitlements issued pursuant to the Fish and Game Code, and the method of carrying and displaying all licenses, except for those programs where CDFW has fee-setting authority, in which case CDFW retains that authority. Authorizes CDFW and the commission to set or adjust fees, as specified. (FGC §1050)
3. Requires that money collected under any state law relating to the protection or propagation of fish and game shall be used for activities relating thereto. (California Constitution, Article XVI, §9)
4. Declares the legislative intent that the costs of hunting and sport fishing programs shall be provided out of hunting and sport fishing revenues and reimbursements and federal funds received for hunting and sport fishing programs, and other funds appropriated by the Legislature for this purpose, as specified. (FGC §711)
5. Requires a resident or a nonresident, 16 years of age or older, upon payment of a specified fee, to be issued a 365 day sport fishing license. The angler must possess the license while fishing. (FGC §7149.05) Requires a resident or nonresident to be issued a hunting license upon payment of a specified fee, as provided. (FGC §3031)
6. Requires the commission to adjust the amount of the fees for sport fishing licenses, as prescribed, to fully recover, but not exceed, all reasonable administrative and implementation costs of CDFW and the commission relating to those licenses. (FGC §1050)
7. Requires CDFW to issue a reduced fee sport fishing license to specified applicants, including a resident of the state over 65 years of age who meets certain additional criteria, a disabled veteran, and a recovering service member, as defined. Similarly, requires CDFW to issue a reduced fee hunting license to specified applicants, including a disabled veteran and a recovering service member, as defined, who meet certain additional criteria.

PROPOSED LAW

This bill would expand the eligibility for reduced fee sport fishing and hunting licenses to those eligible for certain state and federal assistance programs for low income individuals and families, as provided.

Specifically, this bill would:

1. Require CDFW to issue a reduced fee hunting license to a qualified recipient, as provided.
   1. A qualified recipient is a person eligible for either the California Alternative Rates for Energy or Family Electric Rate Assistance program.
   2. The reduced fee is $4 (1995 base year with indexing, about $10 now).
2. Require a qualified recipient to provide adequate documentation to CDFW for CDFW to determine whether the person is eligible.
   1. Defines adequate documentation to mean material demonstrating eligibility for any of the following programs:
      1. Medicaid or Medi­Cal.
      2. The Low­Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
      3.  The California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
      4. CalFresh or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
      5. The federal Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) grant program.
      6. A tribal Head Start program.
      7. Supplemental Security Income.
      8. Medi­Cal for Families (Healthy Families A and B).
      9. The federal National School Lunch Program.
      10. The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance program.
3. Require CDFW to not provide a reduced fee license until it is satisfied with the adequate documentation.
4. Require CDFW to issue a reduced fee sport fishing license to a qualified recipient who submits adequate documentation, as provided.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT

According to the author, “SB 718 increases access to California’s shared natural resources by expanding eligibility of reduced fee hunting and fishing license programs to economically challenged Californians. Although the cost of a license may seem small, it does add one more barrier to an already costly activity that allows and encourages Californians to get outdoors.”

ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION

None received

COMMENTS

Do reduced fee programs for sport fishing and hunting licenses work? As noted above, there are low, but consistent participation rates in the reduced fee programs for disabled veterans, and, for sport fishing, for low-income seniors who meet the eligibility requirements. License fee costs are often cited as an obstacle to hunting and sport fishing participation, although equipment and related travel costs reported in national survey data far outweigh even regular license fees. According to the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated: Recreation: National Overview, license and fees accounted for 1% of overall fishing expenditures in 2016. It remains unclear that the cost of a state’s licenses is a significant impediment to participation in angling.

So-called “R3” efforts for “recruitment, reactivation, and retention” of anglers and hunters have been an identified priority for the state, but these efforts have not been able to reverse the downward trend in resident participation to date. An expansion of those eligible to participate in a reduced fee license may help increase participation, but may result in reduced revenue if the new program scavenges existing license holders.

In order to provide an opportunity to evaluate the proposed program after its implementation, the Committee may wish to add a 5 year sunset and legislative report. [Amendments #1 & #2]

Eligibility should be clarified. As written, only those eligible to participate in either the California Alternative Rates for Energy or Family Electric Rate Assistance programs are qualified recipients. It is unclear if these two programs encompass the universe of eligible participants that the authors seek to reach, particularly given the extensive list of federal and state assistance programs the applicant can use to provide adequate documentation to qualify for a reduced fee license. Additionally, it is not clear if all members or dependents of a household are eligible for a reduced fee license. For example, it is not clear if the child who is eligible to receive school lunches through the national school lunch program is meant to be eligible for a reduced fee license, particularly in view of certain age requirements for sport fishing and hunting licenses. The commission regularly revisits sport fishing regulations to update them as needed. While the commission actions may help to provide specificity to certain processes needed to qualify for a reduce fee license, the statutory language proposed could be improved by citing the specific law or regulation establishing the referenced program. The authors may also wish to clarify who in a qualifying household is eligible for a reduced fee license.

Additionally, the reduced fee sport fishing license for low-income seniors may overlap with one of the eligibility categories proposed by this bill which should also be addressed as the bill moves forward.

The Committee may wish to ask the author to continue working with Committee staff as the bill moves forward to clarify eligibility for the reduced fee program, including adding specific formal statutory or regulatory citations for each program.

Additionally, the Committee may wish to require that eligibility for reduced fee licenses be limited to California residents and that the commission shall establish via regulation what adequate documentation is. [Amendment #1]

Time for implementation? It may take some time for CDFW and the commission to implement the proposed reduced fee program, particularly in view of the current state budget.

The author may wish to consider as the bill moves forward whether to explicitly provide time for CDFW and the commission to develop and implement the proposed reduced fee program.

Longstanding decline in hunting and sport fishing participation. In the last 40 plus years through today, there has been a steady decline in annual sport fishing license sales. In the 1970s and into the early 1980s, the number of resident annual sport fishing license sales averaged about 2.1 – 2.2 million. In 2019, the number sold was about half of that at just over 1 million. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred interest in sport fishing and license sales increased before returning to just over 1 million in 2024.

Hunting has also declined similarly over the same time period from roughly 600,000 purchases of annual resident licenses in 1970 to about 220,000 in 2024. Hunting license sales also experienced a brief increase in annual sales during the first few years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now are back around the values observed in 2019.

These participation declines occurred at the same time as California’s population approximately doubled. Approximately 3% of adult Californians and 0.7% are sport fishers and hunters, respectively. California is not unique in this regard, as hunting and angling participation has also declined nationally overall during this time period.

Underfunded and overmandated. CDFW has longstanding budget concerns which have persisted despite repeated efforts over multiple decades to address them. Most recently, at legislative direction, CDFW undertook a “service-based” budgeting effort to identify the personnel needed to perform the services required by its mandates. CDFW’s services were separated into eight general programs for analysis. In 2021, the initial results of this effort were released that revealed that CDFW’s funding was inadequate to meet its “mission” service level. The “Public Use & Enjoyment” program – where most of the tasks associated with sport fishing and hunting are located – only had about 1/3 of the mission service level resources. The Newsom Administration proposed, and the Legislature approved, significant one-time General Fund moneys to support CDFW’s activities in the near-term. Some progress in addressing the gaps in service were subsequently made, although this was offset, at least in part, by new duties.

Unfortunately, a recent update (for fiscal year 2023/2024) shows that the Public Use & Enjoyment program resources remain at about 31% overall. Sport fishing has a gap of 920,950 hours or 70% of its mission, and game and non-game species have a gap of 270,376 hours or 67% of its mission. Sport fishing is the 6^th highest category of General Fund expenditures. Hunting and Fishing Enforcement are by far the largest categories under the General Fund and the nondedicated Fish and Game Preservation Fund.

National participation by income level. The 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation includes information on sport fishing and hunting participation by income level. The survey found the hunting participation rate at about 4% for household incomes less than $24,999 annually, and was 5% for those with household incomes less than $59,000 annually. Sport fishing has somewhat higher participation rates at 11 – 15% for those with an annual incomes less than $34,999. In general, the Pacific states, including California, had the lowest participation rates.

Recent related legislation

AB 2923 (Alanis, 2023) would have required CDFW to issue lifetime hunting licenses and lifetime sport fishing licenses to eligible Gold Star Family members at no cost. (This bill was held on suspense in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.)

SB 470 (Jones, 2021) would have required CDFW to issue a combined hunting and sport fishing license valid for 12-consecutive-months after issuance, as provided. (This bill was held on suspense in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.)

AB 817 (Wood, Chapter 607, Statutes of 2021) authorized the CDFW director to issue a 12-consecutive-month sport fishing license, among other things.

AB 2465 (Gallagher, 2018) would have established an advisory group related to the decline in sport fishing license sales, as provided. (This bill died on suspense in the Senate Appropriations Committee.)

SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT 1

• Sunset the reduced fee hunting and sport fishing program proposed in five years – January 1, 2031.
• Limit eligibility to California residents.
• Adequate documentation shall be established by the commission via regulation.

AMENDMENT 2

Add Section 3033.21 to the Fish and Game Code:

3033.21.

 (a) On or before October 1, 2029, the director shall submit a written report to the Legislature that evaluates the effect of the reduced fee for hunting and sport fishing licenses pursuant to sections 3033, 3033.2, and 7150.

(b) The report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall include all of the following:

(1) Information regarding sales of reduced fee licenses pursuant to sections 3033, 3033.2, and 7150 and use of free licenses pursuant to 7151.

(2) The cost to the department and the commission from administering and implementing the reduced fee and free licenses and any additional programs provided solely to holders of these licenses.

(3) Evidence of any changes in participation by those who had and had not previously purchased sport fishing or hunting licenses prior to becoming eligible for the reduced fee or free license.

(6) Any other relevant information at the discretion of the director.

(c) The director shall collect all relevant, appropriate, and sufficient data necessary to evaluate the effect of the reduced fee licenses to sportfishing and hunting participation in the state, and to justify the amount of the license fees assessed, including information about data collection and enforcement costs. Data collection efforts pursuant to this subdivision shall avoid duplication and use data collected for other purposes, to the extent feasible.

(d) (1) The report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

(2) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this section is inoperative on October 1, 2033, and is repealed on January 1, 2034.

SUPPORT

None received

OPPOSITION

None received

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