California Code, Fish and Game Code - FGC § 8681.7

(a) Notwithstanding Section 8681.5, any person who possessed a valid permit issued pursuant to Section 8681 and who was denied renewal of that permit, may appeal to the commission where evidence can be presented that illness or the loss of a vessel resulted in the person not meeting the qualifications for renewal or reissuance of that permit.

(b) The appeal shall be filed with the commission within 60 days of a denial of the renewal of a permit.

(c) If the commission determines that a permit is to be issued to a prior permittee under this section, a permit shall be made available to that person upon payment of required fees.

(d) In accordance with Section 4 of Article X B of the California Constitution, this section contains the provisions in effect on January 1, 1989.