(a) The Legislature finds and declares that the scope and responsibilities of the commission have significantly expanded over the years as the size and diversity of California’s population have increased, and as the scientific knowledge of the habitat conservation and ecosystem-based management needs of wildlife has expanded. The members of the commission are expected to make complex public policy and biological decisions on behalf of the people of California. The commission is created by the California Constitution, which does not include any criteria or qualifications for selection and appointment of commissioners.

(b) It is therefore the intent of the Legislature to encourage the Governor and the Senate Committee on Rules to consider the following minimum qualifications in selecting, appointing, and confirming commissioners to serve on the commission:

(1) The degree to which the appointee will enhance the diversity of background and geographic representation of the commission.

(2) The appointee’s demonstrated interest and background in, and familiarity with, wildlife and natural resources management programs at the state or federal level.

(3) The appointee’s previous experience in public policy decisionmaking, including government processes involving public participation.

(4) The appointee’s commitment to prepare for and attend meetings and subcommittee meetings of the commission and to comply with all applicable state conflict-of-interest laws.

(5) The extent of the appointee’s exposure to and experience with the basic science underpinning the management of living natural resources.

(6) The appointee’s diversity of knowledge of natural resource issues and related scientific disciplines, including, but not limited to, outdoor recreation.

(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 592, Sec. 1. (AB 2609) Effective January 1, 2013.)