Fishing and Hunting: Youth Program (SB1021)
Summary
California SB1021 establishes a youth fishing and hunting program by adding Section 318 to the Fish and Game Code. The bill passed the Senate on February 10, 2026, following committee review by Natural Resources and Water and Appropriations. The legislation creates a structured program to encourage youth participation in fishing and hunting activities under California fish and game regulations.
What changed
California SB1021 enacts a new Section 318 in the Fish and Game Code establishing a dedicated youth fishing and hunting program. The bill passed the full Senate on February 10, 2026 with unanimous committee support (7-0 in Appropriations), having been amended in the Natural Resources and Water Committee on March 16, 2026. The legislation is sponsored by a bipartisan coalition of 14 California legislators and is tied to the 2025-2026 Regular Session.
Affected parties include youth participants and their families, hunting and fishing organizations, sporting goods retailers, and conservation groups. The bill's passage signals California's continued support for youth outdoor recreation programs under the Fish and Game Code framework. Program administrators and wildlife agencies should prepare for potential rulemaking and funding requests to implement the new youth program.
What to do next
- Monitor California Department of Fish and Wildlife implementation guidance
- Review youth eligibility and program requirements as they are developed
- Track appropriations for program funding and operational resources
Source document (simplified)
ChangeBridge / California / SB1021 Passed SB1021 Senate Bill Passed 2026-02-10
Fishing and hunting: youth program.
An act to add Section 318 to the Fish and Game Code, relating to fish and wildlife.
Bill Details
State California
Session 2025-2026 Regular Session
Chamber Senate
Committee Appropriations
Official Source leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatu...
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Sponsors
Steven Choi (Sen - R) Heather Hadwick (Rep - R) Juan Alanis (Rep - R) Marie Alvarado-Gil (Sen - R) Christopher Cabaldon (Sen - D) Leticia Castillo (Rep - R) Megan Dahle (Sen - R) Heath Flora (Rep - R) Shannon Grove (Sen - R) Natasha Johnson (Rep - R) Brian Jones (Sen - R) Caroline Menjivar (Sen - D) Tony Strickland (Sen - R) David Tangipa (Rep - R)
Action History
2026-04-06 S From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (March 24). 2026-03-16 S From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on N.R. & W. 2026-03-11 S Set for hearing March 24. 2026-02-18 S Referred to Com. on N.R. & W. 2026-02-11 S From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 13. 2026-02-10 S Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.
Votes
2026-03-24 Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations] Yea: 7 Nay: 0
Committee Referrals
2026-02-10 S Rules 2026-02-18 S Natural Resources and Water 2026-04-06 S Appropriations
Bill Text Versions
2026-02-10 Introduced 2026-03-16 Amended Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)
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