CA AB1949

Expands the California Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program's purpose to encompass any marine fish species important to sport and commercial fishing, removing the previous geographic limitation south of Point Arguello.

Restructures the Ocean Resources Enhancement Advisory Panel by designating voting and nonvoting members, adding a public/nongovernmental organization representative, establishing 3-year terms, requiring director appointments based on solicited nominations, and removing the panel's power to approve program financing.

Establishes an independent scientific advisory committee with expertise in fish genetics, health, aquaculture, population biology, water quality, and hatchery science to advise the director and panel on scientific integrity, program priorities, and evaluation criteria.

Requires the director to solicit input from all sport and commercial fishing fee payers on program direction, conduct annual public meetings with committee presentations, and submit a report to the Legislature by July 1, 2027 on program progress and goals.

Authorizes the department to contract with any public or private entity for research, accept volunteer assistance without displacing state employees, and ensures all research results are publicly available; repeals the program on January 1, 2028.