Jones’s measure creating a combination hunting/fishing license approved by Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee

SB 470 is coauthored by bipartisan group of Senators and supported by a diverse coalition of outdoor groups

A measure by Senator Brian W. Jones (R-Santee) to create a combination hunting/fishing license option for recreationalists passed its first committee test with a strong bipartisan vote.

Jones’s Senate Bill 470 would specifically do the following, beginning in 2024:

  • Allow Californians and non-residents to purchase a combined hunting/fishing license rather than having to purchase both licenses separately – many outdoor recreationalists in California engage in both sports and a combined license would be more convenient and lower administrative costs of the state; and 
  • Make the newly created combination license valid for 365 days from the date of purchase – currently  California hunting and fishing licenses expire on December 31 of the year purchased, regardless of the date purchased; and
  • Require the state to establish an optional automatic renewal and payment process for the combined license since California currently only allows auto renewal for fishing licenses.

“Other nearby states including Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon already offer combination hunting/fishing licenses which have proved popular and have helped introduce new people to both sports,” said Senator Brian W. Jones.  “Offering a convenient way to legally hunt and fish, get a full year’s worth out of the license, and automatically renew the license in California makes sense all around.  This will allow even more people to enjoy our state’s great outdoors more often.”

SB 470 is a bipartisan measure coauthored by Senators Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), Brian Dahle (R-Bieber), Bill Dodd (D-Napa), and Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita).  It is sponsored by the California Waterfowl Association and supported by a diverse coalition of outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing organizations.  SB 470 goes next to the Senate Appropriations Committee for hearing.