STATE SENATE DROPS 365-DAY FISHING LICENSE BILL

Citing the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason, the California State Senate will not hear legislation that authorizes a 365-day fishing license legislation. Assembly Bill 1387 was authored by Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa) and sponsored by the California Sportfishing League (CSL).

In recent weeks it became increasingly evident that a limited legislative session meant many bills would not be heard this year unless they were deemed urgent or essential.

“California anglers have every reason to be disappointed that fishing license reform will not come in 2020. For decades, California’s costly and antiquated fishing license program has contributed to declining fishing participation rates and fewer economic benefits for communities and jobs dependent on outdoor recreation,” said Marko Mlikotin, executive director of the CSL. “States that offer anglers a license that provide a full 12-months of fishing from the date of purchase have experienced increased license sales and revenue. Unfortunately, this pandemic killed reform, but it was not due to a lack of support. Over 70 state and national organizations supported Assembly Bill 1837 and as part of a plan to improve fishing and hunting licensing programs, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommended transitioning the state to a 365-day license.”

Assembly Bill 1387 passed the State Assembly unanimously and subject to minor amendments in the Senate, the bill was scheduled to advance later this month. Assemblyman Jim Wood intends to reintroduce the bill in the next legislative session and try to have a 365-day fishing license in effect by the original implementation date as specified in AB 1387.

Expressing optimism, Assemblyman Wood said, “I have every intention of reintroducing a 365-day fishing license bill next year that aims to introduce many more Californians to the great outdoors. I look forward to working with the California anglers and the recreational boating industry, and many others, to bring about meaningful reform and soon.”

TAKE ACTION - Contact Your State Senator to Oppose Fishing Bans!

Assembly Bill 3030 (authored by Asm. Kalra) proposes to restrict access to 30 percent of California's waters and lands by 2030. The bill also directs the state to consider new marine protected areas (MPAs) in which recreational fishing may be banned.

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TALKING POINTS FOR EMAIL and PHONE CALLS

o California already has a wide network of 146 marine protected areas (MPAs) reflecting the most restrictive marine environmental management policies in the world

o Fishing closures will reduce state revenues from fishing licenses and boating fees, and in turn, reduce much-needed funds for scientific study and fisheries enforcement

o Threatens communities and jobs dependent on outdoor tourism and sportfishing fees, and in turn, reduce much-needed funds for scientific study and fisheries enforcement marine protected areas (MPAs) in which recreational fishing may be banned.

Don't wait! Contact your State Senator today!