July 1, 2010 Issue 2010-10
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Senate Committees Kill Lead Shot Measure/Approve Long Gun Registration |
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On June 29th, the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, rejected AB 2223 (Nava) - a bill that would have completely banned the use of lead shot on all Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
COHA and our sporting allies actively opposed AB 2223 because it would have undermined the science-based regulatory process of the California Fish and Game Commission, which is currently reviewing this issue.
Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis) cast a key vote against this measure. Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Temecula), Co-Chair of the California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus, also strongly opposed the bill.
Also on June 29th, the Senate Public Safety Committee approved AB 1810 (Feuer), legislation which would require all newly purchased or transferred rifles and shotguns to be permanently registered with the California Department of Justice - similar to the registration requirements already placed upon handguns. AB 1810 will next be heard in Senate Appropriations Committee in August. COHA will continue to work with the National Rifle Association, California Rifle and Pistol Association, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and our other partners in an effort to kill this bill. Watch for future issues of the COHA Field Wire for how you can help us defeat this measure. |
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COHA Supported Amendments Help "Free Hunting Day" Bill Pass Committee
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After appearing headed for defeat, SB 1179 -- legislation which would authorize the Department of Fish and Game to establish two "free hunting days" each year for individuals to go hunting without a hunting license -- passed out of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee on June 29th with numerous amendments. COHA was pleased to support the measure after the bill's author, Senator Dennis  Hollingsworth, agreed to accept amendments intended to ensure a positive experience for the participants and reduce the state's liability exposure.
SB 1179, as amended, requires those who take advantage of the free days to, among other things, be accompanied by a licensed hunter over the age of 21. The measure also precludes participants from putting in for any hunts which require a draw.
COHA strongly believes that, over time, SB 1179 will result in more licensed hunters in the field and more hunting related revenues for wildlife conservation programs within the Department of Fish and Game. |
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Water Bond Vote Likely Delayed Until 2012 |
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In an effort to improve its chances of being approved by the California electorate, the Governor and key members of the California State Legislature are working to delay a vote on an $11.14 billion water bond measure that was scheduled to appear on the November 2010 ballot. COHA was pleased to work with California Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited and the Grasslands Water District to insert  language in the bond which would provide $10 million for Department of Fish and Game private land waterfowl habitat programs and $100 million to acquire wetland water and water conveyance infrastructure for Central Valley federal refuges, state wildlife areas and private wetlands in the Grasslands region.
For more information on the effort to delay a water bond vote, click here. |
