SB-1021 • 2026

Fishing and hunting: youth program.

Budget

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Choi
Last action: 2026-04-20
Official status: April 20 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The specific types of wildlife that youth can fish and hunt for are mentioned but not detailed further in the provided text.

Youth Fishing and Hunting Program

This law requires California's Fish and Game Commission to create a program by 1 January 2028 that helps young people with life-threatening illnesses go fishing or hunting for specific types of wildlife.

What This Bill Does

Requires the Fish and Game Commission to establish a program by January 1, 2028, to increase opportunities for resident youth with life-threatening illnesses to fish and hunt big game, wild pigs, upland game birds, and migratory game birds.
In developing this program, the commission must consult with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and interested nonprofit organizations.
Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to prepare a report by January 1, 2032, on how well the program is working.

Who It Names or Affects

Resident youth in California who have life-threatening illnesses
The Fish and Game Commission
Department of Fish and Wildlife

Terms To Know

Fish and Game Commission: A group responsible for protecting fish, wildlife, and their habitats in California.
Life-threatening illnesses: Serious health conditions that could cause death if not treated properly.

Limits and Unknowns

The program will end on January 1, 2033.
It is unclear how many youth will participate in the program or what specific types of wildlife they can hunt and fish for.

Bill History

2026-04-20 California Legislative Information
April 20 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.
2026-04-10 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing April 20.
2026-04-07 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-04-06 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0. Page 3660.) (March 24).
2026-03-16 California Legislative Information
From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on N.R. & W.
2026-03-11 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing March 24.
2026-02-18 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.
2026-02-11 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 13.
2026-02-10 California Legislative Information
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 1021, as amended, Choi.
Fishing and hunting: youth program.
The California Constitution establishes the Fish and Game Commission and provides for the delegation to the commission of powers relating to the protection and propagation of fish and game. Existing law places the Fish and Game Commission in the Natural Resources Agency.
This bill would require the commission
to
to, on or before January 1, 2028,
establish a program to increase opportunities to fish, and to hunt big game,
wild pigs,
upland game birds, and migratory game birds, for
resident
youth with life-threatening illnesses. The bill would require the commission, in developing the program, to consult with the Department of Fish and
Wildlife and
Wildlife,
certain interested nonprofit
organizations.
organizations, and other interested parties. The bill would require the department to, on or before January 1, 2032, prepare and submit a report to the relevant legislative policy and budget committees in both houses of the Legislature, as provided. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2033.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF