Signed by Governor Jerry Brown, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that prohibits the sale of ivory and rhino horn products, effective July 1, 2016.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from purchasing or selling ivory and rhinoceros horn, except in the following circumstances (Sec. 2):

• The ivory or horn is part of a musical instrument, is less than 20 percent of the volume of the instrument, and is documented to be manufactured before 1975;

• The ivory or horn is part of an antique, is less than 5 percent of the volume of the antique, and is at least 100 years old; or

• The ivory or horn is intended for educational or scientific purposes, when legally acquired before January 1, 1991.

• Establishes the following penalties for ivory or rhino horn valued up to $250 (Sec. 2):

• A first conviction is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to 30 days; and

• A second or subsequent conviction is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $40,000 and imprisonment up to a year.

• Establishes the following penalties for ivory or rhino horn valued more than $250 (Sec. 2):

• A first conviction is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $40,000 and imprisonment up to a year; and

• A second or subsequent conviction is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $50,000 or twice the value of the ivory or horn, whichever is greater, and imprisonment up to a year.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the sale of ivory and rhino horn products, effective July 1, 2016.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from purchasing or selling ivory and rhinoceros horn, except in the following circumstances (Sec. 2):

• The ivory or horn is part of a musical instrument, is less than 20 percent of the volume of the instrument, and is documented to be manufactured before 1975;

• The ivory or horn is part of an antique, is less than 5 percent of the volume of the antique, and is at least 100 years old; or

• The ivory or horn is intended for educational or scientific purposes, when legally acquired before January 1, 1991.

• Establishes the following penalties for ivory or rhino horn valued up to $250 (Sec. 2):

• A first conviction is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to 30 days; and

• A second or subsequent conviction is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $40,000 and imprisonment up to a year.

• Establishes the following penalties for ivory or rhino horn valued more than $250 (Sec. 2):

• A first conviction is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $40,000 and imprisonment up to a year; and

• A second or subsequent conviction is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $50,000 or twice the value of the ivory or horn, whichever is greater, and imprisonment up to a year.

Full Bill Text