(a) In addition to Section 7149.05, the department shall issue a lifetime sport fishing license under this section. A lifetime sport fishing license authorizes the taking of fish, amphibians, or reptiles anywhere in this state in accordance with the law for purposes other than profit for the life of the person to whom issued unless revoked for a violation of this code or regulations adopted under this code. A lifetime sport fishing license is valid for a one-year period from January 1 through December 31 and may be renewed annually, regardless of any lapse of the license, at no additional cost to the licensee. A lifetime sport fishing license is not transferable. A lifetime sport fishing license does not include any special tags, stamps, or fees.

(b) A lifetime sport fishing license may be issued to residents of this state, as follows:

(1) To a person 62 years of age or over, upon payment of a base fee of three hundred sixty-five dollars ($365).

(2) To a person 40 years of age or over and less than 62 years of age, upon payment of a base fee of five hundred forty dollars ($540).

(3) To a person 10 years of age or over and less than 40 years of age upon payment of a base fee of six hundred dollars ($600).

(4) To a person less than 10 years of age upon payment of a base fee of three hundred sixty-five dollars ($365).

(c) Nothing in this section requires a person less than 16 years of age to obtain a license to take fish, amphibians, or reptiles for purposes other than profit.

(d) Nothing in this section exempts a license applicant from meeting other qualifications or requirements otherwise established by law for the privilege of sport fishing.

(e) Upon payment of a base fee of two hundred forty-five dollars ($245), a person holding a lifetime sport fishing license shall be entitled annually to the privileges afforded to a person holding a second-rod stamp or validation issued pursuant to Section 7149.45, a sport fishing ocean enhancement stamp or validation issued pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 6596.1, one steelhead trout report restoration card issued pursuant to Section 7380, and one salmon report card issued pursuant to regulations adopted by the commission. Lifetime privileges issued pursuant to this subdivision are not transferable.

(f) The base fees specified in this section are applicable commencing January 1, 2004, and shall be adjusted annually thereafter pursuant to Section 713.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 26, Sec. 9. (SB 92) Effective June 27, 2017.)