Bill > AB1319

This bill adds two new sections to the California Fish and Game Code to strengthen protections for endangered species. The first section (Section 2017) makes it illegal for anyone in California to import, export, transport, sell, or purchase any fish, wildlife, or plant that was taken, possessed, or sold in violation of state or federal laws related to wildlife protection, effective January 19, 2025. The bill establishes criminal penalties for violations, with first-time offenses punishable by fines between $5,000 and $40,000 and/or up to one year in county jail, and subsequent offenses carrying higher fines and potential imprisonment. The second section (Section 2076.7) requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to monitor and respond to any federal actions that could reduce protections for endangered species. If the department determines that a federal action would substantially impact a species, it can add that species to a provisional candidate list for protection under California law. The bill includes provisions to protect entities already operating under federal authorizations and includes safeguards to prevent criminal or civil penalties for those in compliance with existing federal biological opinions. Both sections will become inoperative on December 31, 2031, and be fully repealed on January 1, 2032, providing a temporary mechanism to preserve endangered species protections.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1319