CA SB376

Director of Fish and Wildlife must coordinate with Oregon, Washington, and other states on wildlife trafficking violations and emerging zoonotic disease risks.

Department must immediately suspend authorizations to import wild animal species when scientific evidence suggests zoonotic transmission could cause novel, readily transmissible human diseases, and prohibit importation until robust testing, treatment, or quarantine protocols are implemented.

Department may issue restricted species permits on a case-by-case basis to universities, colleges, research agencies, and scientific institutions for prohibited live wild animals used in medical or scientific research, with biosafety equipment and protocols required for zoonotic disease risk animals.

Fish and Game Commission must adopt regulations identifying prohibited animals for live animal markets that are invasive species or likely to transmit zoonotic diseases; operators must comply or face written warning for first violation and fines of $250-$1,000 for subsequent violations.

Department must adjust permit fees at least every five years to cover administrative and implementation costs for wild animal importation and aquatic plant/animal importation permits.