California lawmakers are considering legislation that would expand hunting and fishing opportunities for youth facing life-threatening illnesses and for children who have lost a parent in military service. Senate Bill 1021, introduced by State Senator Steven Choi, aims to provide these young people with access to outdoor experiences that might otherwise be unavailable to them.
The bill directs the California Fish and Game Commission to establish a program to increase access to hunting big game, upland game birds, and migratory game birds, as well as fishing. Upland game birds include pheasant, quail, and wild turkey, while migratory game birds encompass species like band-tailed pigeons and mourning doves. The initiative seeks to address the challenges youth face in obtaining hunting permits in California, where demand significantly exceeds availability – in 2018, 1,880 young people applied for just 16 big game tags.
, Senator Choi unveiled the bipartisan bill at a press conference in Irvine, alongside representatives from conservation groups and the hunting community. He described the measure as “about compassion and responsible stewardship,” emphasizing the importance of providing these experiences for young people with limited time. “This bill creates a narrowly tailored and carefully supervised opportunity for them to experience the outdoors while fully respecting California’s conservation framework,” Choi stated.
The legislation is modeled after a similar law in Georgia, which authorizes hunting opportunities for terminally ill individuals aged 21 and under. However, the California bill broadens eligibility to include youth between the ages of 5 and 18 with life-threatening illnesses, defined as “a progressive, degenerative or malignant (cancerous) condition that places the child’s life in jeopardy.” Diagnoses could include chronic lung diseases, cystic fibrosis, or sickle cell anemia, among others. The bill allows for fulfilling hunting or fishing requests even after a youth turns 18, acknowledging the planning timelines involved.
According to Senator Choi’s office, the program will be developed in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and relevant nonprofit organizations. It will also utilize existing wildlife management tools and require supervision by qualified instructors and guides, ensuring that conservation protections are not compromised. The bill’s fact sheet highlights its potential to raise awareness of the role hunting plays in wildlife management and to encourage the next generation of conservationists.
The bill has garnered bipartisan support, with co-authors including Senator Tony Strickland, as well as Democratic Senators Christopher Cabaldon and Caroline Menjivar. It is sponsored by Field of Dreams, a California-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing outdoor experiences for children with serious medical conditions and military families. Tom Dermody, founder of Field of Dreams, expressed his support, stating that the bill would offer “hope, dignity and a chance to create meaningful memories” for these young people.
The introduction of SB 1021 comes amidst other legislative activity in California. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill designed to protect veterans from predatory practices related to benefit claims, despite initial divisions among lawmakers regarding its potential impact on veterans’ autonomy in filing claims. He also approved legislation aimed at enhancing antitrust enforcement and protecting consumers during merger reviews. Assemblymember Tri Ta has introduced a bill to safeguard genetic data from unauthorized sale or transfer.
The veterans bill, Senate Bill 694, signed into law by Governor Newsom, aims to prevent exploitation of veterans seeking assistance with their benefits. The new law was championed by Senator Bob Archuleta, a U.S. Army combat veteran, who described it as a “clear victory” for veterans and their families. However, it faced opposition from some legislators, including Senator Tom Umberg, who voiced concerns about potential restrictions on veterans’ ability to independently manage their claims.
Assembly Bill 1727, introduced by Assemblymember Ta, seeks to criminalize the unauthorized sale or transfer of an individual’s DNA sample or genetic data. The bill aims to protect personal genetic information from misuse, citing the example of someone collecting DNA from a discarded item without consent. The legislation includes exemptions for law enforcement and higher education institutions.
The passage of these bills reflects a diverse range of legislative priorities in California, from supporting vulnerable populations to protecting consumer rights and advancing scientific innovation. SB 1021, with its focus on providing meaningful experiences for youth facing significant challenges, adds a unique dimension to this legislative agenda, potentially offering solace and lasting memories to those who need them most.
