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Subcommittee sustains exemption for site-specific locations of endangered or threatened species
Summary
A PCB to retain the public-records exemption for site-specific location information on endangered and threatened species was reported favorably by the Government Operations Subcommittee; members emphasized protection of plants and animals and there was no public testimony or amendments.
Representative Weinberger presented, on behalf of Representative Basabe, a PCB to "save from repeal the public record exemption for site specific location information concerning endangered or threatened species." The bill would prevent public disclosure of precise location data for protected species unless the Legislature allows it, and it is scheduled to automatically repeal Oct. 2 unless reenacted.
Representative Valdez asked whether the bill would cover black bears; Weinberger replied, "I will not be presenting a bill to kill any bears. So, no, this will be protecting our endangered species..." Members noted that the exemption protects not only animals but also plants, with Representative Rosenwald calling attention to poaching of rare plants such as orchids.
Committee members supported the bill and thanked the presenter for explaining it. There were no amendments and no public testimony. The subcommittee recorded a favorable report on PCB GOS 25-02; the roll shows affirmative votes from Chair Cheney and Representatives Alvarez, Aristide, Campbell, Connelly, Gentry, Greco, Griffiths, Holcomb, Joseph, Nicks, Placencia, Rosenwald, Sapp, Stark, Valdez and Weinberger; one member was excused.
The PCB would preserve the current statutory protection for site-specific location information for endangered and threatened species under the Open Government Sunset Review Act; transcript discussion focused on the importance of protecting both fauna and flora from poaching and disturbance.
