Wildlife-vehicle collisions: wildlife salvage permits.

Existing law authorizes the Fish and Game Commission to adopt regulations that it deems necessary for the disposition of birds or mammals that are killed accidentally. Existing law also authorizes the commission, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to establish, in consultation with specified public agencies and stakeholders, a pilot program no later than January 1, 2022, for the issuance of wildlife salvage permits that authorize a person to recover, possess, use, or transport certain mammals that have been accidentally killed as a result of a vehicle collision for purposes of salvaging wild game meat for human consumption. Existing law requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to implement the pilot program no later than 6 months after the commission establishes the pilot program. Existing law repeals the pilot program provisions on January 1, 2029. This bill would eliminate the January 1, 2022, deadline for the commission to establish this previously authorized pilot program. Existing law authorizes, upon appropriation by the Legislature, the department to develop a separate pilot program to collect and compile information and data on wildlife-vehicle collisions to support certain wildlife conservation efforts. This bill would require the department to conclude the pilot program 5 years after the date of commencement.