Vessel management and environmental policies highlight new laws in effect

STATEWIDE — California is under new leadership in 2019, with Gov. Jerry Brown departing the gubernatorial mansion for the last time ever. His 16-year run as California’s top executive – including his most recent tenure from 2011 to 2019 – has certainly been met with mixed reactions.  Gavin Newsom now takes the reigns as the state’s governor, and time will tell how his leadership will play out for anglers and boaters. There are a few laws already in effect, however, as Newsom moves into the governorship. The laws mentioned below were approved as Brown’s final acts as California governor and directly affect anglers, boaters and the environment. Vessel Impoundment Law enforcement officers will be able to impound a boat or other personal watercraft if it was used during the commission of a crime, thanks to a bill Brown signed into law in September 2018. Assembly Bill 2175, which is now on the books, specifically gives harbor police, Sheriff’s deputies or other similar law enforcement departments the power to place a lien on any vessel or watercraft they believe, based upon probable cause, was used during a crime. The vessel or watercraft owner would be responsible for storage and towing costs if he or...