The following information was released by the California State Senate, Republican Caucus:

The traveling public can now breathe a little easier with the passage of legislation that gives airport officials legal authority to remove birds in flight paths - as a last resort to save lives.

Introduced by Senator Dave Cox (R-Fair Oaks), Senate Bill 481 affirms airport officials responsibility to keep birds away from airplanes. The Governor signed SB 481 into law Sunday evening.

Airplane passengers throughout California are now more protected from bird strikes, said Sen. Dave Cox. With this measure becoming law, airport officials will be able to do their jobs and safeguard human lives.

Co-authored by Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) and Assemblyman Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks), Senate Bill 481 gives all public use airports with federal depredation permits assurances that they have a legal right to remove birds they believe may endanger planes. SB 481 further states that the taking of birds at public airports to protect public safety does not violate state law. It further amends the Fish and Game Code to codify existing practice based on compliance with federal law.

Sacramento International Airports Assemblyman Roger Niello touted the measure.

Airport officials must have all the tools necessary to protect human lives without the threat of prosecution.