Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the importation and possession of wild animals.

Highlights:

• Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to immediately suspend any authorization to import a wild animal species into the state when evidence suggests zoonotic transmission from this species, or a closely related species, could be responsible for a novel, readily transmissible human disease (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that importation is not authorized until a robust testing protocol is implemented to ensure that all individual animals subject to an authorization are not carriers (Sec. 2). 

• Requires the department to revise the list of animals that may not be imported or transported, as applicable (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes the department to take additional measures pursuant to its authority related to wild animal species necessary to protect public health (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits the possession of iconic African species and any part, product, or dead body or parts thereof, including fossils of a species, by any individual, firm, corporation, association, or partnership within the state of California (Sec. 3).

• Defines “iconic African species” as specified animals including, but not limited to (Sec. 3):

• The African elephant;

• The African lion;

• The black or white rhinoceros;

• The plains or mountain zebra; and 

• The hyaena. 

• Authorizes exceptions to the prohibition in circumstances including, but not limited to (Sec. 3): 

• An employee or agent of the federal, state, or local government that is undertaking a law enforcement or mandatory duty activity; 

• The iconic African species is possessed for wholly noncommercial purposes and has been in its owner’s possession within this state before January 1, 2021;

• The iconic African species was lawfully imported pursuant to a permit or exemption under the federal Endangered Species Act and is removed from within the state within 180 days of importation; or

• The iconic African species is for use for educational or scientific purposes by a bona fide educational or scientific institution.

• Specifies that an owner may demonstrate possession of the iconic African species before January 1, 2021 by furnishing documentation dated before January 1, 2021, including, but not limited to (Sec. 3):

• A valid permit for the importation of sport-hunted trophies;

• A bill of lading or other valid document regarding transportation;

• A valid appraisal of the species; or

• Photographic or video evidence showing the species in the owner’s possession.

• Establishes a civil penalty for violations of this section of not less than $5,000 or more than $40,000 for each violation (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that civil penalties imposed pursuant to this act are to be deposited into the Fish and Game Preservation Fund (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes the Attorney General or the city attorney of the city in which the violation occurs to bring a civil action to recover the civil penalty (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes the department to provide a reward of up to $500 to any person giving information that leads to a judgement resulting in a fine (Sec. 3).

• Prohibits persons operating live animal markets from storing or selling an animal that is a known or likely invasive species or of a taxa known or likely to be responsible for zoonotic transmission of a disease (Sec. ) 

• Establishes a written warning penalty for a first violation, and an infraction, punishable by a fine of not less than $250, nor more than $1,000, for second or subsequent violations (Sec. 4). 

• Specifies that no reimbursement is required by this act (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text