Assembly approves bill directing hunting and lease fees back to wildlife areas

The Assembly passed AB 1987 on April 14 to ensure fees generated by state wildlife areas' hunting use and agricultural leases are retained and reinvested locally to support operations and maintenance.

The majority leader and joint authors explained that some wildlife areas currently lack sufficient staff and resources; Assemblymember Hadwick, a joint author, told members that reinvesting an estimated $5,800,000 in hunting-use and agricultural-lease fees would address understaffing and restore public access, wetland flooding schedules and habitat quality. "By directing these funds back to the lands themselves, this bill will protect the environment and recreational benefits they provide to the state," the majority leader said.

After brief debate, the Clerk recorded the vote as I 69, No 0 and the measure passed the Assembly.

Supporters argued AB 1987 protects California wetlands, supports hunters and agricultural lessees, and preserves rural recreation and economic activity. The bill will proceed to the Senate as part of the third reading file.