California State Safe Harbor Agreement Program Act: notice.
The bill aims to protect landowners from liability associated with their participation in the Safe Harbor Agreement Program. If enacted, landowners shall not be held liable for any injuries or damage that may occur as a result of accessing their land or water for conservation efforts, provided they have followed the stipulations outlined in the bill. Moreover, it allows landowners to object to the individual selected for access within the notice period, addressing concerns about safety and appropriateness of those who may enter their property.
Assembly Bill 3252, introduced by Assembly Member Megan Dahle, amends Section 2089.20 of the Fish and Game Code related to the California State Safe Harbor Agreement Program Act. This act is designed to encourage landowners to voluntarily manage their lands to benefit endangered, threatened, or candidate species without facing additional regulatory requirements stemming from their conservation efforts. One of the primary changes this bill proposes is increasing the notice period required for landowners, giving them at least seven business days' notice before the Department of Fish and Wildlife or its agents access the enrolled land or water for assessment purposes.
Notable points of contention may arise around the implications of increased access rights for the state and the potential pushback from landowners regarding the adequacy of the notice period and access rules. While the bill increases protections for landowners, it may still face scrutiny from those who are concerned about the balance between conservation efforts and property rights. The adjustments made in this bill could lead to debates on landowner rights and responsibilities in environmental governance.