HB2481 - 451R - House Bill Summary

House of Representatives

HB 2481

aquaculture; protecting aquatic environment

Sponsor: Representative Gleason

X	Committee on Natural Resources & Agriculture
	Caucus and COW
	As Passed the House

HB 2481 adds the Department of Environmental Quality as one of the agencies that can determine whether water discharged from an aquaculture facility is damaging to aquatic wildlife and should be restricted.

A proposed strike-everything amendment to HB 2481 will be offered in the Natural Resources & Agriculture Committee. The proposed strike-everything amendment would make a person who knowingly damages crops liable for twice the market value and other costs.

History

The California Assembly enacted legislation in 2000 (Assembly Bill 2510) to address destruction of research crops at California's universities. The bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Helen Thompson, was signed into law by Governor Davis in September. Similar legislation has been introduced this year in several other states, including Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Virginia.

Provisions

· Provides for civil damages against a person who knowingly damages or destroys crops grown either commercially or for testing or research purposes.

· Establishes liability at twice the market value of the crop, twice the cost of production, research, testing, replacement and crop development, and all litigation costs.

· States that remedies established by HB 2481 are in addition to those otherwise available under current law.

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· 45th Legislature