(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the status of a person as an employee, agent, or licensee of the department does not confer upon that person a special right or privilege to knowingly enter private land without the consent of the owner, a search warrant, or an inspection warrant.

(b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to employees, agents, or licensees of the department in the event of an emergency. For purposes of this section, “emergency” means a sudden, unexpected occurrence, involving a clear and imminent danger demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of, or damage to, wildlife, wildlife resources, or wildlife habitat.

(c) Subdivision (a) does not apply to a sworn peace officer authorized pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 830.2 of the Penal Code or, if necessary for law enforcement purposes, to other departmental personnel accompanying a sworn peace officer. Subdivision (a) shall not be construed to define or alter any authority conferred on those peace officers by any other law or court decision.

(d) Subdivision (a) does not apply to, or interfere with, the authority of employees or licensees to enter and inspect land in conformance with Section 4604 of the Public Resources Code.

(e) This section is not intended to expand or constrain the authority, if any, of employees, agents, or licensees of the department to enter private land to conduct inspections pursuant to Section 7702 of this code or Section 8670.5, 8670.7, or 8670.10 of the Government Code.

(f) If the department conducts a survey or evaluation of private land that results in the preparation of a document or report, the department shall, upon request and without undue delay, provide either a copy of the report or a written explanation of the department’s legal authority for denying the request. The department may charge a fee for each copy, not to exceed the direct costs of duplication.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 154, Sec. 27. (AB 1527) Effective January 1, 2016.)