Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9005, we have reviewed a proposed statutory initiative related to criminal penalties (A.G. File No. 15-0016).

This measure would make the consumption or sale of shellfish (such as crab, lobster, and shrimp) a serious felony punishable by a fine of $666,000 and/or imprisonment of up to roughly six and a half years.

Pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 9005 of the Elections Code, we are informing you that, in our opinion, a reasonable estimate of the net fiscal impact of this proposed initiative measure cannot be prepared within 50 calendar days from the date this proposed initiative was received. The impact of the measure on various aspects of the state’s criminal justice system and economy would significantly depend on whether or  how the measure is implemented. Thus, the full scope of the measure’s impact on state and local finances is uncertain. As required by Section 9005, we are informing you that it is our opinion that the measure could result in a substantial net change in state and local finances.