California Assembly Bill AB762

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/19
• Refer: 2/28/19
• Report Pass: 3/11/19
• Refer: 3/12/19
• Report Pass: 4/10/19
• Refer: 4/10/19
• Report Pass: 5/15/19
• Engrossed: 5/22/19
• Refer: 5/23/19
• Refer: 5/29/19
• Report Pass: 6/5/19
• Refer: 6/5/19
• Report Pass: 6/24/19
• Refer: 6/24/19
• Report Pass: 7/5/19
• Refer: 7/5/19
• Refer: 8/12/19
• Report Pass: 8/30/19
• Enrolled: 9/11/19
• Chaptered: 10/7/19
• Passed: 10/7/19

Caption

Public health: fish and shellfish: health advisories.

Impact

The implementation of AB 762 reinforces existing state regulations concerning the assessment and communication of health risks related to fish and shellfish consumption. This bill expands the responsibilities of local health officials, requiring them to actively coordinate with various environmental and public health agencies, including the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and the State Water Resources Control Board. The requirement for local health officers to conspicuously post warnings plays a crucial role in the state's public health strategy, particularly in coastal and fishing communities where consumption of potentially contaminated fish is prevalent.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 762, also known as the Fish and Shellfish Consumption Advisories bill, aims to enhance public health measures regarding the consumption of fish and shellfish in California. The bill mandates that local health officers post health warnings at public fishing areas when there are advisories related to contaminated fish or shellfish. This aims to ensure that recreational and subsistence fishers are aware of potential health risks associated with consuming these species from certain bodies of water.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding AB 762 has generally been positive among public health advocates who view the bill as a necessary step in safeguarding public health. By enhancing the visibility of health advisories, the bill seeks to prevent health risks that may arise from consuming contaminated marine life. However, there may be concerns among local officials regarding the additional duties imposed by the bill, particularly in terms of resource allocation and the need for training on what constitutes adequate signage and advisories.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding AB 762 include the potential financial implications for local agencies that may not have the resources to meet the new requirements. While the bill does mention grant funding to assist local agencies, critics may highlight the burdens placed on these agencies without sufficient funding guarantees. Additionally, the efficacy of the posted advisories and public awareness of such warnings might be scrutinized, raising questions about the overall impact on preventing health-related incidents associated with fish consumption.