Update: Fortunately, Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed this legislation on September 27, 2008.
Bill Description: If this bill passes, the state Fish and Game agency will become essentially the only entity with the power to adopt laws or regulations regarding the fish and wildlife in California.
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It is important to establish fundamental wildlife policies that are consistent statewide, but local jurisdictions need to have the flexibility to strengthen those restrictions to effectively address local wildlife issues. Allowing the state and local jurisdictions to partner with each other to establish effective policies is vital to effective long-term wildlife management as well as to the best interests of the public. A 815 would take away the rights currently afforded to cities and counties in California to enact local wildlife-related laws specific to their communities. Under the new legislation, an ordinance could only be adopted if it meets extremely strict standards, but the standards themselves are not laid out in the law. As a result, it is difficult to predict how little power will remain in the hands of local governments to address local issues. This bill has the potential to invalidate numerous city and county ordinances that protect consumers and wildlife. For example, A 815 could repeal ordinances that limit the use of bows and arrows in developed areas; those that restrict fishing in certain areas; and local laws prohibiting the killing of songbirds. This legislation would have severe public safety consequences and those consequences have not been adequately considered.