Senator Harman Announces Assembly Passage of Species Conservation Legislation

Sacramento- Senator Tom Harman (R-Huntington Beach) announced last Thursday that Senate Bill 589 has passed out of the Assembly. The bill seeks to ensure that hunting license tag and stamp funds benefit game species and their habitats. The bill is sponsored by the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA).

"I am extremely pleased that the Assembly passed this important piece of conservation legislation. I am a life long sportsman and feel strongly that we should do all we can to preserve this heritage for future generations," said Harman. "It is time to put an end to the raiding of tag money intended for the game preservation and use those funds as intended."

Current law has allowed hunting tag funds to be used for non-game purposes. SB 589 will protect these funds by requiring that, before any of the hunting tag monies can be expended, hunting-related organizations would have an opportunity to review proposed projects and provide comment to the Department of Fish and Game.

"SB 589 will further two causes that I am passionate about: increasing transparency in government spending and conservation of the environment," said Harman.

SB 589 will now come back to the Senate for concurrence in amendments taken in the Assembly after which it will be sent to the Governor for signature.