Local assembly member Bill Monning announced legislation today which supports efforts in protecting California’s threatened sea otter population. Assembly Bill 971 would keep the California Sea Otter Fund voluntary tax check-off program – line 410 on the state 540 income tax form – in place for another 5-years. Money collected from the tax check-off program supports research and protection efforts for sea-otters. The fund, which allows voluntary contributions made through the state income tax form, supports research and programs related to the health of the near shore ecosystem, where sea otters are typically found.
