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<ns0:Id>20250SB__106298AMD</ns0:Id>
<ns0:VersionNum>98</ns0:VersionNum>
<ns0:History>
<ns0:Action>
<ns0:ActionText>INTRODUCED</ns0:ActionText>
<ns0:ActionDate>2026-02-12</ns0:ActionDate>
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<ns0:Action>
<ns0:ActionText>AMENDED_SENATE</ns0:ActionText>
<ns0:ActionDate>2026-03-25</ns0:ActionDate>
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<ns0:SessionYear>2025</ns0:SessionYear>
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<ns0:MeasureType>SB</ns0:MeasureType>
<ns0:MeasureNum>1062</ns0:MeasureNum>
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<ns0:AuthorText authorType="LEAD_AUTHOR">Introduced by Senator Ochoa Bogh</ns0:AuthorText>
<ns0:Authors>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>LEAD_AUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Ochoa Bogh</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
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<ns0:Title> An act to amend Sections 1927.1 and 1927.3 of the Fish and Game Code, relating to the western Joshua tree. </ns0:Title>
<ns0:RelatingClause>the western Joshua tree</ns0:RelatingClause>
<ns0:GeneralSubject>
<ns0:Subject>Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act: life-sustaining services: project-specific conditions.</ns0:Subject>
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<html:p>The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act prohibits any person or public agency from importing into the state, exporting out of the state, or taking, possessing, purchasing, or selling within the state, a western Joshua tree or any part or product of the tree, except as specified. The act authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to permit the taking of a western Joshua tree if specified conditions are met, including, but not limited to, that the permittee mitigates all impacts to, and taking of, the western Joshua tree through measures that are roughly proportional in extent to the impact of the authorized taking of the western Joshua tree. The act authorizes, in lieu of completing the mitigation measures, a permittee to elect to satisfy the mitigation obligation by paying
fees pursuant to a specified fee schedule, as provided.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would authorize the department to, upon the request from a state or local public agency, establish project-specific conditions for a project related to a life-sustaining service, as defined. The bill would provide that project-specific conditions may include, but are not limited to, the creation of projectwide standards for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures, a reduction or waiver of in-lieu mitigation fees, or other compliance flexibility or concession the department deems appropriate to facilitate timely and cost-effective maintenance, operation, or construction of a project.</html:p>
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<ns0:VoteRequired>MAJORITY</ns0:VoteRequired>
<ns0:Appropriation>NO</ns0:Appropriation>
<ns0:FiscalCommittee>YES</ns0:FiscalCommittee>
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<ns0:Preamble>The people of the State of California do enact as follows:</ns0:Preamble>
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<ns0:Num>SECTION 1.</ns0:Num>
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Section 1927.1 of the
<ns0:DocName>Fish and Game Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
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<ns0:Num>1927.1.</ns0:Num>
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<html:p>For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:</html:p>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Accessory structure” means a subordinate structure, the use of which is incidental to an existing or contemporaneously constructed single-family residence, including, an accessory dwelling unit, addition to an existing single-family residence, garage, carport, swimming pool, patio, greenhouse, storage shed, gazebo, septic tank, sewer connection, solar panels, fence, or gravel or paved driveway.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“California Endangered Species Act” means the act established pursuant to Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 2050) of Division 3.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Conserve” or “conservation” means to use, and the use
of, methods and procedures that are necessary to bring species listed pursuant to Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 2050) of Division 3 to the point at which the measures provided pursuant to Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 2050) of Division 3 are no longer necessary, and for species that are not listed to maintain or enhance the condition of the species so that listing will not become necessary.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Dead western Joshua tree” means a western Joshua tree that meets at least one of the following criteria:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Has not burned and has no green leaves, no new growth on the main stem, and no basal sprouts.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Has partially or fully burned at least 18 months prior and otherwise satisfies paragraph (1).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Has fallen and is completely detached from
its roots or has fallen and its roots are no longer in contact with the soil.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Desert native plant specialist” means an arborist certified by the International Society of Arborists, or an individual with at least five years of professional experience with relocation or restoration of native California desert vegetation.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(f)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Fee” means the elective fee described in subdivisions (d) and (e) of Section 1927.3, which is to be deposited into the fund.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(g)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Fund” means the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Fund as described in Section 1927.5.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(h)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Life-sustaining service” means an activity relating to critical infrastructure, including, but not limited to, infrastructure
that provides electricity, gas, water, sewer, or telecom service or work related to wildfire hardening.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Multifamily residence” means an apartment building, rowhouse, town house, condominium, or manufactured building that consists of two or more attached dwelling units designed for occupancy by two or more families living independently of one another.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(j)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Public works project” means a project involving the erection, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement of any public structure, building, road, or other public improvement of any kind.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(k)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Relocated” or “relocation” means the removal of a living western Joshua tree and a sufficient portion of its root mass from the ground and transplanting it.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(
<html:i>l</html:i>
)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Single-family residence” means a single detached building that has been, or will be, constructed and used as living facilities, including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, as required by the California Building Standards Code, for not more than one household.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(m)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
“Western Joshua tree” means Yucca brevifolia, an evergreen, tree-like plant that has been treated as a
member of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae).
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<ns0:Num>SEC. 2.</ns0:Num>
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Section 1927.3 of the
<ns0:DocName>Fish and Game Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
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<ns0:Num>1927.3.</ns0:Num>
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<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The department may authorize, by permit, the taking of a western Joshua tree if all of the following conditions are met:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The permittee submits to the department for its approval a census of all western Joshua trees on the project site, including size information and photographs, that categorize the western Joshua trees according to the following size classes:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Less than one meter in height.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
One meter or greater but less than five meters in height.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Five meters or greater in height.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The permittee avoids and minimizes impacts to, and the taking of, the western Joshua tree to the maximum extent practicable. Minimization may include trimming, encroachment on root systems, relocation, or other actions that result in detrimental but nonlethal impacts to a western Joshua tree.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The permittee mitigates all impacts to, and taking of, the western Joshua tree. The measures required to meet this obligation shall be roughly proportional in extent to the impact of the authorized taking of the species. When various measures are available to meet this obligation, the measures required shall maintain the permittee’s objectives to the greatest extent possible. All required measures shall be capable of successful implementation. The permittee shall ensure adequate
funding to implement the mitigation measures. In lieu of completing the mitigation obligation on its own, the permittee may elect to satisfy this mitigation obligation by paying fees, pursuant to the fee schedule in subdivision (d) or (e), for deposit into the fund.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The department may include permit conditions that require the permittee to relocate one or more of the western Joshua trees. If relocation is required, the permittee shall implement measures to assist the survival of relocated trees, and to comply with any other reasonable measures required by the department to facilitate the successful relocation and survival of the western Joshua trees. These relocation measures shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A
requirement that the relocated western Joshua tree is placed in a location and with proper orientation to improve its survival.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A requirement that western Joshua trees are relocated at a time that maximizes their survival when feasible.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A requirement that a desert native plant specialist be onsite to oversee relocation.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The department may limit relocation to certain size classes of trees.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The department shall adopt guidelines and relocation protocols, based on the best available science, to relocate western Joshua trees successfully. The department shall consult with desert native plant specialists as part of the development of these guidelines and
relocation protocols. Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code shall not apply to the development, adoption, or amendment of guidelines and relocation protocols pursuant to this subparagraph.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For purposes of this section, each western Joshua tree stem or trunk arising from the ground shall be considered an individual tree requiring mitigation, regardless of its proximity to any other western Joshua tree stem or trunk.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The department may enter into an agreement with any county or city to delegate to the county or city the ability to authorize the taking of a western Joshua tree associated with developing single-family residences, multifamily residences, accessory structures, and public works projects concurrent
with its approval of the project, if all of the following conditions are met:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The county or city adopts an ordinance that requires as a condition of any approval or permit issued under the authority of an agreement entered into pursuant to this subdivision satisfaction of the requirements of this chapter.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Except as provided otherwise in this subdivision, the county or city ensures that the permittee satisfies all of the requirements of subdivision (a) of this section.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The project will take no more than 10 individual western Joshua trees on the project site where the project proponent proposes to construct a single-family residence, multifamily residence, or accessory structure, or no more than 40 individual western
Joshua trees on the project site on which a public agency proposes to undertake a public works project. Before authorizing the take of more than 20, but no more than 40, individual western Joshua trees for a public works project, the county or city shall obtain the department’s written concurrence that the project has avoided and minimized the take of western Joshua trees to the maximum extent practicable.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The county or city shall collect any fees for permits issued and remit them quarterly to the fund as directed by the department.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(5)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The county or city entering into an agreement pursuant to this subdivision may impose a reasonable fee to cover the administrative costs of issuing the permit.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(6)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The department retains express authority to suspend or revoke the county or city’s take authorization in the event the department determines the county or city has violated the terms of the agreement, or this chapter, the county or city fails to implement or enforce the terms of the agreement or this chapter, or the department determines that the local population of western Joshua trees within, or in the vicinity of, that county or city needs further protection. The county or city shall conduct an annual assessment of the status of the local population within the county or city and submit the assessment to the department. The department shall determine if the population needs further protection to provide for the conservation of the species.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The department shall adopt standardized survey and assessment methods for the
annual assessment required pursuant to subparagraph (A), including requiring that a desert native plant specialist conduct the assessment. Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code shall not apply to the development, adoption, or amendment of standardized survey and assessment methods pursuant to this subparagraph.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(7)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The county or city shall be required to submit to the department quarterly reports documenting the number of permits issued, photographs and other evidence demonstrating that take and other impacts were avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable, the number and size class of western Joshua trees authorized to be taken, the number of western Joshua trees encroached upon, the number of western Joshua trees lethally removed, the number and location of
western Joshua trees relocated, the amount of fees collected, and other information required by the department in the agreement.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Any person or public agency receiving a take authorization pursuant to this chapter for a project that meets the criteria set forth in paragraph (1) may elect, in lieu of satisfying the mitigation obligation provided for in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), to pay fees in the amounts provided in paragraph (2) for deposit into the fund.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Any project in the area bounded by the intersection of Highway 99 and Highway 58, then east along Highway 58 to the intersection of Interstate 15, then north along Interstate 15 to the intersection of Highway 247, then south along Highway 247 to the intersection of Highway 18, then west
along Highway 18 to the intersection of Highway 138, then west and north along Highway 138 to the intersection of Interstate 5, then north along Interstate 5 to the intersection of Highway 99, then north along Highway 99 to Highway 58.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Any project receiving a permit issued by a county or city pursuant to an agreement with the department pursuant to subdivision (c), regardless of location.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
One thousand dollars ($1,000) for each western Joshua tree five meters or greater in height.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Two hundred dollars ($200) for each western Joshua tree one meter or greater but less than five meters in height.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
One hundred fifty dollars
($150) for each western Joshua tree less than one meter in height.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Any person or public agency receiving a take authorization pursuant to this chapter for a project that meets the criteria set forth in paragraph (1) may elect, in lieu of satisfying the mitigation obligation provided for in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), to pay fees in the amounts provided in paragraph (2) for deposit into the fund.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (d), any project within two miles of Joshua Tree National Park, or any unit of the state park system.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Any project that does not meet the criteria set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (d).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each western Joshua tree five meters or greater in height.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Five hundred dollars ($500) for each western Joshua tree one meter or greater but less than five meters in height.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Three hundred forty dollars ($340) for each western Joshua tree less than one meter in height.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(f)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Upon request, the department may authorize a reduction in the amount of the fees prescribed by subdivisions (d) and (e) for any western Joshua tree conserved by a project proponent through the acquisition of compensatory habitat mitigation
land otherwise required by law for the project.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(g)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The permittee shall bear responsibility for implementing measures to assist the survival of western Joshua trees relocated pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (a).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Unless specifically required by written agreement, a landowner that agrees in writing to allow western Joshua trees to be relocated onto land it owns shall not be liable for the continued survival of the western Joshua trees, shall not be required to manage or maintain the translocated western Joshua trees, and shall not be required to change existing land use practices, provided that the land use practices do not result in the taking, possession, sale, or further translocation of the western Joshua trees.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(h)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Upon request by a state or local public agency, including, but not limited to, a special district, such as a publicly owned water agency, irrigation district, or power authority, the department may establish project-specific conditions for a project related to a life-sustaining service. Project-specific permit conditions may include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The creation of projectwide standards for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A reduction or waiver of in-lieu mitigation fees.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Other compliance flexibility or concession the department deems appropriate to facilitate timely and cost-effective
maintenance, operation, or construction of a project.
</html:p>
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