DEVOREFLYER
06-22-2015, 06:53 PM
Need more proof that liberal politicians are as much against fishing as hunting.
From California State Senator Tom Berryhill's office:
Sport fishing Stimulus Act of 2015 moves, in a lesser form, to the Assembly
My Legislation, the Sport Fishing Stimulus Act of 2015 (Senate Bill 345), passed the Senate and is now in the Assembly awaiting a hearing. In an unexpected turn of events, the Senate Appropriations Committee removed the key provision and sent a scaled down version of the legislation to the Senate Floor.
In its original form, Senate Bill 345 would have replaced California’s antiquated (and impractical) calendar year fishing license with a 12–consecutive month license––much like a DMV license or any number of other available licenses in California. According to data in other states that have adopted a consecutive month license, this small change could have bolstered license sales in California. That language was removed by the Senate Appropriations Committee. What the bill does now is offer a reduced price junior angler license.
California has 4,000 lakes and reservoirs, over 20,000 registered ponds, and thousands of miles of streams and rivers, yet has experienced an unprecedented decline in recreational fishing. Over the past 35 years, annual fishing license sales have plummeted more than 55%, while the cost of an annual license has increased 840%! Today, California ranks dead last for sport fishing participation.
The decline must be addressed. I intend on pursuing this issue with my colleagues in the Senate and in the Assembly until we get the changes needed to revitalize an industry that many people enjoy and rural communities depend upon for tourism dollars. Allowing for a 12–consecutive month license would have made the system more convenient and encouraged people to buy a license and enjoy the sport.
From California State Senator Tom Berryhill's office:
Sport fishing Stimulus Act of 2015 moves, in a lesser form, to the Assembly
My Legislation, the Sport Fishing Stimulus Act of 2015 (Senate Bill 345), passed the Senate and is now in the Assembly awaiting a hearing. In an unexpected turn of events, the Senate Appropriations Committee removed the key provision and sent a scaled down version of the legislation to the Senate Floor.
In its original form, Senate Bill 345 would have replaced California’s antiquated (and impractical) calendar year fishing license with a 12–consecutive month license––much like a DMV license or any number of other available licenses in California. According to data in other states that have adopted a consecutive month license, this small change could have bolstered license sales in California. That language was removed by the Senate Appropriations Committee. What the bill does now is offer a reduced price junior angler license.
California has 4,000 lakes and reservoirs, over 20,000 registered ponds, and thousands of miles of streams and rivers, yet has experienced an unprecedented decline in recreational fishing. Over the past 35 years, annual fishing license sales have plummeted more than 55%, while the cost of an annual license has increased 840%! Today, California ranks dead last for sport fishing participation.
The decline must be addressed. I intend on pursuing this issue with my colleagues in the Senate and in the Assembly until we get the changes needed to revitalize an industry that many people enjoy and rural communities depend upon for tourism dollars. Allowing for a 12–consecutive month license would have made the system more convenient and encouraged people to buy a license and enjoy the sport.