Wildlife management areas: payment of taxes and assessments.
Impact
Beginning in the 2018-19 fiscal year and continuing annually, the introduction of this bill ensures that counties receive consistent financial support from the state, which could be vital for local revenue streams particularly around those wildlife management areas. The requirement is intended to alleviate potential financial burdens on local governments related to these state-held properties.
Summary
Senate Bill 58, introduced by Senator McGuire, focuses on the operations of state-acquired real property designated as wildlife management areas. The bill amends Section 1504 of the Fish and Game Code, establishing a new requirement for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to make annual payments to counties equal to the county taxes levied on specific properties at the time of their transfer to the state. This represents a significant shift from prior law, where such payments were only authorized and not mandated.
Contention
The proposed changes are expected to generate discussions around fiscal responsibility and the adequacy of funding for wildlife management areas. Some stakeholders may argue that this legislation places an additional obligation on the state budget and could limit flexibility in managing appropriated funds. Moreover, there may be concerns regarding the potential impacts on other budgetary allocations, given that nothing in the bill explicitly prevents these payments from competing with other financial needs within the state's budget.
Personal income taxes: voluntary contributions: Endangered and Rare Fish, Wildlife, and Plant Species Conservation and Enhancement Account: Native California Wildlife Rehabilitation Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund: covered grants.