Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed AB 1254, a measure introduced by Assembly Member Tom Berryhill (R-Modesto) and sponsored by the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA), which makes several important changes to the Fish and Game Code. 

Specifically, AB 1254: 1) authorizes the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) to offer special hunting opportunities to qualified hunter education instructors for recruitment and retention purposes; 2) allows DFG to suspend or seek reimbursement of Fish and Game Code violation fine revenue improperly expended by county governments; and 3) allows the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) to adjust its meeting schedule to address funding shortfalls.

California currently suffers from a shortage of hunter education instructors which, in some areas of the State, makes it difficult for individuals to find hunter education classes near their homes or in a timely fashion.  AB 1254 will help increase the number of hunter education instructors by requiring DFG to offer special hunting opportunities to qualified individuals.

"I would like to commend COHA for their efforts in getting AB 1254 signed into law," stated Captain Roy Griffith, State Hunter Education Program Administrator.  "This is a huge step forward in recognizing the thousands of hours California's volunteer hunter education instructors dedicate each year in passing on our hunting heritage.  AB 1254 will assist the DFG's efforts to recruit new instructors which are needed to assure hunter education classes are available in communities throughout California."

"Hunter education instructors are vitally important to hunter recruitment efforts in California.  The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has long supported hunter education and believes that AB 1254 will ultimately introduce more people to our hunting heritage," stated Joe Pecsi, NWTF California State Chapter President and hunter education instructor since 1976.

Additionally, AB 1254 will greatly enhance DFG's auditing capabilities by providing it with the power to recoup misspent F&G fine revenues.  For too long, some county governments have ignored the law and used Fish and Game Code violation monies to support programs unrelated to hunting, fishing and conservation activities.

 "Until now, the DFG has had no way of ensuring that county governments properly deposit Fish & Game fine revenue into the County Fish & Wildlife Propagation Fund," stated Larry Nelson, El Dorado County Fish and Game Commissioner.  "AB 1254 will help hold county governments accountable so that fine monies are expended in accordance with the Fish and Game Code."