CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 902Introduced by Assembly Member SchultzFebruary 19, 2025 An act to add Section 65080.10 to the Government Code, and to add Section 158.6 to the Streets and Highways Code, relating to transportation. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 902, as introduced, Schultz. Transportation planning and programming: barriers to wildlife movement.Existing law requires certain transportation planning agencies to prepare and adopt regional transportation plans directed at achieving a coordinated and balanced regional transportation system. Existing law requires that each regional transportation plan include a sustainable communities strategy prepared by each metropolitan planning organization in order to, among other things, achieve certain regional targets established by the State Air Resources Board for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and light trucks in the region for 2020 and 2035, respectively.This bill would require the regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy, upon the adoption or next revision on or after January 1, 2028, to, among other things, identify and analyze connectivity areas, permeability, and natural landscape areas that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, and consider the impacts of development and the barriers caused by transportation infrastructure and development to wildlife and habitat connectivity. The bill would also require metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies, in implementing those requirements, to, among other things, incorporate appropriate standards, policies, and feasible implementation programs, consult with certain entities, and consider relevant best available science as appropriate. By imposing additional duties on local entities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The bill would authorize metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies, in implementing the above-described requirements, to consult with specified entities and incorporate relevant information, guidelines, and standards from specified sources.Under existing law, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species. Existing law authorizes DFW to approve compensatory mitigation credits for wildlife connectivity actions taken under specified programs.This bill would require regional transportation agencies, in consultation with DFW, to perform an assessment, containing specified information, to identify potential wildlife connectivity barriers and any needs for improved permeability regarding any specified transportation infrastructure project located in a connectivity area beginning the project initiation phase on or after January 1, 2026, as provided. The bill would also require the regional transportation agency to submit the assessment to DFW, to remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity in conjunction with the project, as necessary, and to publish on its internet website a list of all of the transportation infrastructure projects that require remediation, as provided. By imposing additional duties on local entities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local programThis bill would authorize regional transportation agencies to use compensatory mitigation credits if DFW concurs with the use of those credits. The bill would also make related findings and declarations.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) Transportation infrastructure and development can adversely impact wildlife by reducing or eliminating their core habitat, severing connections between habitats, and interfering with their behavioral patterns and ability to access food, water, shelter, and genetically diverse mates.(2) Climate change is a significant threat to Californias biodiversity. As climate change alters the habitat, ranges, and movement patterns of numerous animals and plants, wildlife must have the ability to shift their ranges to effectively adapt to changed climatic conditions and resource availability. Moreover, wildlife must be able to move to effectively respond to extreme weather events, including wildfire, drought, and floods.(3) As set forth in Assembly Bill 2344 of the 202122 Regular Session of the Legislature, also known as the Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act, it is the policy of the state to protect, restore, and enhance the functioning of fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity in connection with the planning, construction, and improvement of transportation infrastructure throughout the state.(4) Because regional transportation agencies and metropolitan planning organizations have a role in the funding, construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, it is the intent of the Legislature, in carrying out the policy of the state, to consider and incorporate measures for the avoidance, minimization, and mitigation of impacts to fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity arising from their activities.(5) As set forth in Assembly Bill 1889 of the 202324 Regular Session of the Legislature, also known as the Room to Roam Act, it is the policy of the state to protect, restore, and improve the functioning of fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity in connection with land use planning.(6) Because metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies have a role in influencing land use planning, it is the intent of the Legislature, in carrying out the policy of the state, to consider and implement measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity arising from their activities, plans, and policies. It is further the intent of the Legislature that metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies exercise their authority to implement measures to remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity within their regions, including on transportation infrastructure.(b) This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the Connected Communities Act.SEC. 2. Section 65080.10 is added to the Government Code, to read:65080.10. (a) Upon the adoption or next revision of a regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy on or after January 1, 2028, the regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy shall be updated to:(1) Identify and analyze connectivity areas, permeability, and natural landscape areas, as those terms are defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency.(2) Identify and analyze existing or planned wildlife passage features, as defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, including, but not limited to, wildlife passage features included in the inventory of connectivity needs on the state highway system, as described in Section 158.1 of the Streets and Highways Code, to ensure that planned transportation infrastructure or development does not undermine the effectiveness of existing and potential wildlife passage features.(3) Consider the impacts of development and the barriers caused by transportation infrastructure and development to wildlife and habitat connectivity. For the purposes of this paragraph, wildlife has the same meaning as defined in Section 89.5 of the Fish and Game Code.(4) Avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts and barriers to wildlife movement.(5) Analyze and consider opportunities to remediate existing barriers to wildlife connectivity and restore degraded habitat and open space.(b) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivision (a), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency shall:(1) Incorporate appropriate standards, policies, and feasible implementation programs such as wildlife-friendly fencing and lighting, buffers from sensitive resources, prohibitions on invasive plants, habitat connectivity overlay zones, and compact development standards, or consider whether adoption of an ordinance is necessary to feasibly implement these standards, policies, and implementation programs, and include goals to adopt any necessary ordinance.(2) Consult with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, any California Native American tribe that is on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission and that has traditional lands located partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, and any open-space district that owns lands designated for conservation within the metropolitan planning organization or regional transportation agencys region. Upon receiving a request for consultation, the department, tribe, or district may, in its sole discretion, accept or refuse to consult, based on the priority of natural resources impacted or other factors.(3) Consider relevant best available science as appropriate, including, but not limited to, peer-reviewed literature, citable publicly available datasets, publicly sourced online datasets, and information and reports from governmental agencies, California Native American tribes as specified in paragraph (2), and academic institutions.(4) Consider the most appropriately scaled scientific information on linkages, corridors, and other locations that are essential to maintain landscape connectivity, including, but not limited to, any of the following:(A) Habitat linkages and wildlife corridors, such as those identified and summarized in the Areas of Conservation Emphasis, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 1851 of the Fish and Game Code, and in regional habitat connectivity assessments.(B) Wildlife corridors, such as migration corridors identified by global positioning system collar studies.(C) Wildlife movement barriers, such as connectivity areas, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 158 of the Street and Highways Code, barriers identified by the Department of Fish and Wildlifes Restoring Californias Wildlife Connectivity report, and other areas the Department of Fish and Wildlife determines are important for wildlife habitat and connectivity.(D) Other connectivity considerations, such as those outlined in the State Wildlife Action Plan, habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code, regional conservation investment strategies approved pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 1850) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code, and other relevant plans, policies, and ordinances adopted by neighboring jurisdictions or regions.(c) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivisions (a) and (b), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency may do all of the following:(1) Consult with cities or counties within or outside of their region, and appropriate local, state, or federal agencies, or academic institutions.(2) Incorporate relevant information, guidelines, and standards from applicable conservation elements approved pursuant to Section 65302, applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.(d) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as superseding the exercise of the land use authority of cities and counties within the region.SEC. 3. Section 158.6 is added to the Streets and Highways Code, to read:158.6. (a) (1) For any transportation infrastructure project located in a connectivity area beginning the project initiation phase on or after January 1, 2026, that adds a traffic lane or that has the potential to significantly impair wildlife connectivity based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall perform an assessment, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, before commencing project design and continuing through the development of the project and into implementation, to identify potential wildlife connectivity barriers and any needs for improved permeability.(2) As part of the assessment, the regional transportation agency shall consider factors affecting wildlife connectivity that provide scalable solutions for all defined species needs, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.(3) The assessment may incorporate relevant guidelines and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.(4) The regional transportation agency shall submit the assessment to the Department of Fish and Wildlife and, if any structural barrier to wildlife connectivity exists or will be added by the project in the connectivity area based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity in conjunction with the project. A project subject to this requirement may incorporate relevant assessments, guidelines, and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the California Fish and Game Code.(5) The regional transportation agency shall publish on its internet website a list of all of the transportation infrastructure projects that require remediation pursuant to paragraph (4) and information regarding whether wildlife passage features are included in those projects or if mitigation credits are applied to the project pursuant to subdivision (b). The regional transportation agency shall update the project list biennially, at a minimum, and may update the list more often, as needed.(b) Regional transportation agencies may use compensatory mitigation credits approved pursuant to Section 1957 of the Fish and Game Code to satisfy the requirements of this section if the Department of Fish and Wildlife concurs with the use of those credits.SEC. 4. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 902Introduced by Assembly Member SchultzFebruary 19, 2025 An act to add Section 65080.10 to the Government Code, and to add Section 158.6 to the Streets and Highways Code, relating to transportation. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 902, as introduced, Schultz. Transportation planning and programming: barriers to wildlife movement.Existing law requires certain transportation planning agencies to prepare and adopt regional transportation plans directed at achieving a coordinated and balanced regional transportation system. Existing law requires that each regional transportation plan include a sustainable communities strategy prepared by each metropolitan planning organization in order to, among other things, achieve certain regional targets established by the State Air Resources Board for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and light trucks in the region for 2020 and 2035, respectively.This bill would require the regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy, upon the adoption or next revision on or after January 1, 2028, to, among other things, identify and analyze connectivity areas, permeability, and natural landscape areas that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, and consider the impacts of development and the barriers caused by transportation infrastructure and development to wildlife and habitat connectivity. The bill would also require metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies, in implementing those requirements, to, among other things, incorporate appropriate standards, policies, and feasible implementation programs, consult with certain entities, and consider relevant best available science as appropriate. By imposing additional duties on local entities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The bill would authorize metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies, in implementing the above-described requirements, to consult with specified entities and incorporate relevant information, guidelines, and standards from specified sources.Under existing law, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species. Existing law authorizes DFW to approve compensatory mitigation credits for wildlife connectivity actions taken under specified programs.This bill would require regional transportation agencies, in consultation with DFW, to perform an assessment, containing specified information, to identify potential wildlife connectivity barriers and any needs for improved permeability regarding any specified transportation infrastructure project located in a connectivity area beginning the project initiation phase on or after January 1, 2026, as provided. The bill would also require the regional transportation agency to submit the assessment to DFW, to remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity in conjunction with the project, as necessary, and to publish on its internet website a list of all of the transportation infrastructure projects that require remediation, as provided. By imposing additional duties on local entities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local programThis bill would authorize regional transportation agencies to use compensatory mitigation credits if DFW concurs with the use of those credits. The bill would also make related findings and declarations.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 902
Introduced by Assembly Member SchultzFebruary 19, 2025
Introduced by Assembly Member Schultz
February 19, 2025
An act to add Section 65080.10 to the Government Code, and to add Section 158.6 to the Streets and Highways Code, relating to transportation.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 902, as introduced, Schultz. Transportation planning and programming: barriers to wildlife movement.
Existing law requires certain transportation planning agencies to prepare and adopt regional transportation plans directed at achieving a coordinated and balanced regional transportation system. Existing law requires that each regional transportation plan include a sustainable communities strategy prepared by each metropolitan planning organization in order to, among other things, achieve certain regional targets established by the State Air Resources Board for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and light trucks in the region for 2020 and 2035, respectively.This bill would require the regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy, upon the adoption or next revision on or after January 1, 2028, to, among other things, identify and analyze connectivity areas, permeability, and natural landscape areas that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, and consider the impacts of development and the barriers caused by transportation infrastructure and development to wildlife and habitat connectivity. The bill would also require metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies, in implementing those requirements, to, among other things, incorporate appropriate standards, policies, and feasible implementation programs, consult with certain entities, and consider relevant best available science as appropriate. By imposing additional duties on local entities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The bill would authorize metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies, in implementing the above-described requirements, to consult with specified entities and incorporate relevant information, guidelines, and standards from specified sources.Under existing law, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species. Existing law authorizes DFW to approve compensatory mitigation credits for wildlife connectivity actions taken under specified programs.This bill would require regional transportation agencies, in consultation with DFW, to perform an assessment, containing specified information, to identify potential wildlife connectivity barriers and any needs for improved permeability regarding any specified transportation infrastructure project located in a connectivity area beginning the project initiation phase on or after January 1, 2026, as provided. The bill would also require the regional transportation agency to submit the assessment to DFW, to remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity in conjunction with the project, as necessary, and to publish on its internet website a list of all of the transportation infrastructure projects that require remediation, as provided. By imposing additional duties on local entities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local programThis bill would authorize regional transportation agencies to use compensatory mitigation credits if DFW concurs with the use of those credits. The bill would also make related findings and declarations.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law requires certain transportation planning agencies to prepare and adopt regional transportation plans directed at achieving a coordinated and balanced regional transportation system. Existing law requires that each regional transportation plan include a sustainable communities strategy prepared by each metropolitan planning organization in order to, among other things, achieve certain regional targets established by the State Air Resources Board for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and light trucks in the region for 2020 and 2035, respectively.
This bill would require the regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy, upon the adoption or next revision on or after January 1, 2028, to, among other things, identify and analyze connectivity areas, permeability, and natural landscape areas that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, and consider the impacts of development and the barriers caused by transportation infrastructure and development to wildlife and habitat connectivity. The bill would also require metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies, in implementing those requirements, to, among other things, incorporate appropriate standards, policies, and feasible implementation programs, consult with certain entities, and consider relevant best available science as appropriate. By imposing additional duties on local entities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The bill would authorize metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies, in implementing the above-described requirements, to consult with specified entities and incorporate relevant information, guidelines, and standards from specified sources.
Under existing law, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species. Existing law authorizes DFW to approve compensatory mitigation credits for wildlife connectivity actions taken under specified programs.
This bill would require regional transportation agencies, in consultation with DFW, to perform an assessment, containing specified information, to identify potential wildlife connectivity barriers and any needs for improved permeability regarding any specified transportation infrastructure project located in a connectivity area beginning the project initiation phase on or after January 1, 2026, as provided. The bill would also require the regional transportation agency to submit the assessment to DFW, to remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity in conjunction with the project, as necessary, and to publish on its internet website a list of all of the transportation infrastructure projects that require remediation, as provided. By imposing additional duties on local entities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program
This bill would authorize regional transportation agencies to use compensatory mitigation credits if DFW concurs with the use of those credits. The bill would also make related findings and declarations.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) Transportation infrastructure and development can adversely impact wildlife by reducing or eliminating their core habitat, severing connections between habitats, and interfering with their behavioral patterns and ability to access food, water, shelter, and genetically diverse mates.(2) Climate change is a significant threat to Californias biodiversity. As climate change alters the habitat, ranges, and movement patterns of numerous animals and plants, wildlife must have the ability to shift their ranges to effectively adapt to changed climatic conditions and resource availability. Moreover, wildlife must be able to move to effectively respond to extreme weather events, including wildfire, drought, and floods.(3) As set forth in Assembly Bill 2344 of the 202122 Regular Session of the Legislature, also known as the Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act, it is the policy of the state to protect, restore, and enhance the functioning of fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity in connection with the planning, construction, and improvement of transportation infrastructure throughout the state.(4) Because regional transportation agencies and metropolitan planning organizations have a role in the funding, construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, it is the intent of the Legislature, in carrying out the policy of the state, to consider and incorporate measures for the avoidance, minimization, and mitigation of impacts to fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity arising from their activities.(5) As set forth in Assembly Bill 1889 of the 202324 Regular Session of the Legislature, also known as the Room to Roam Act, it is the policy of the state to protect, restore, and improve the functioning of fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity in connection with land use planning.(6) Because metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies have a role in influencing land use planning, it is the intent of the Legislature, in carrying out the policy of the state, to consider and implement measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity arising from their activities, plans, and policies. It is further the intent of the Legislature that metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies exercise their authority to implement measures to remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity within their regions, including on transportation infrastructure.(b) This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the Connected Communities Act.SEC. 2. Section 65080.10 is added to the Government Code, to read:65080.10. (a) Upon the adoption or next revision of a regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy on or after January 1, 2028, the regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy shall be updated to:(1) Identify and analyze connectivity areas, permeability, and natural landscape areas, as those terms are defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency.(2) Identify and analyze existing or planned wildlife passage features, as defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, including, but not limited to, wildlife passage features included in the inventory of connectivity needs on the state highway system, as described in Section 158.1 of the Streets and Highways Code, to ensure that planned transportation infrastructure or development does not undermine the effectiveness of existing and potential wildlife passage features.(3) Consider the impacts of development and the barriers caused by transportation infrastructure and development to wildlife and habitat connectivity. For the purposes of this paragraph, wildlife has the same meaning as defined in Section 89.5 of the Fish and Game Code.(4) Avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts and barriers to wildlife movement.(5) Analyze and consider opportunities to remediate existing barriers to wildlife connectivity and restore degraded habitat and open space.(b) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivision (a), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency shall:(1) Incorporate appropriate standards, policies, and feasible implementation programs such as wildlife-friendly fencing and lighting, buffers from sensitive resources, prohibitions on invasive plants, habitat connectivity overlay zones, and compact development standards, or consider whether adoption of an ordinance is necessary to feasibly implement these standards, policies, and implementation programs, and include goals to adopt any necessary ordinance.(2) Consult with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, any California Native American tribe that is on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission and that has traditional lands located partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, and any open-space district that owns lands designated for conservation within the metropolitan planning organization or regional transportation agencys region. Upon receiving a request for consultation, the department, tribe, or district may, in its sole discretion, accept or refuse to consult, based on the priority of natural resources impacted or other factors.(3) Consider relevant best available science as appropriate, including, but not limited to, peer-reviewed literature, citable publicly available datasets, publicly sourced online datasets, and information and reports from governmental agencies, California Native American tribes as specified in paragraph (2), and academic institutions.(4) Consider the most appropriately scaled scientific information on linkages, corridors, and other locations that are essential to maintain landscape connectivity, including, but not limited to, any of the following:(A) Habitat linkages and wildlife corridors, such as those identified and summarized in the Areas of Conservation Emphasis, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 1851 of the Fish and Game Code, and in regional habitat connectivity assessments.(B) Wildlife corridors, such as migration corridors identified by global positioning system collar studies.(C) Wildlife movement barriers, such as connectivity areas, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 158 of the Street and Highways Code, barriers identified by the Department of Fish and Wildlifes Restoring Californias Wildlife Connectivity report, and other areas the Department of Fish and Wildlife determines are important for wildlife habitat and connectivity.(D) Other connectivity considerations, such as those outlined in the State Wildlife Action Plan, habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code, regional conservation investment strategies approved pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 1850) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code, and other relevant plans, policies, and ordinances adopted by neighboring jurisdictions or regions.(c) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivisions (a) and (b), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency may do all of the following:(1) Consult with cities or counties within or outside of their region, and appropriate local, state, or federal agencies, or academic institutions.(2) Incorporate relevant information, guidelines, and standards from applicable conservation elements approved pursuant to Section 65302, applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.(d) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as superseding the exercise of the land use authority of cities and counties within the region.SEC. 3. Section 158.6 is added to the Streets and Highways Code, to read:158.6. (a) (1) For any transportation infrastructure project located in a connectivity area beginning the project initiation phase on or after January 1, 2026, that adds a traffic lane or that has the potential to significantly impair wildlife connectivity based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall perform an assessment, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, before commencing project design and continuing through the development of the project and into implementation, to identify potential wildlife connectivity barriers and any needs for improved permeability.(2) As part of the assessment, the regional transportation agency shall consider factors affecting wildlife connectivity that provide scalable solutions for all defined species needs, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.(3) The assessment may incorporate relevant guidelines and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.(4) The regional transportation agency shall submit the assessment to the Department of Fish and Wildlife and, if any structural barrier to wildlife connectivity exists or will be added by the project in the connectivity area based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity in conjunction with the project. A project subject to this requirement may incorporate relevant assessments, guidelines, and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the California Fish and Game Code.(5) The regional transportation agency shall publish on its internet website a list of all of the transportation infrastructure projects that require remediation pursuant to paragraph (4) and information regarding whether wildlife passage features are included in those projects or if mitigation credits are applied to the project pursuant to subdivision (b). The regional transportation agency shall update the project list biennially, at a minimum, and may update the list more often, as needed.(b) Regional transportation agencies may use compensatory mitigation credits approved pursuant to Section 1957 of the Fish and Game Code to satisfy the requirements of this section if the Department of Fish and Wildlife concurs with the use of those credits.SEC. 4. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) Transportation infrastructure and development can adversely impact wildlife by reducing or eliminating their core habitat, severing connections between habitats, and interfering with their behavioral patterns and ability to access food, water, shelter, and genetically diverse mates.(2) Climate change is a significant threat to Californias biodiversity. As climate change alters the habitat, ranges, and movement patterns of numerous animals and plants, wildlife must have the ability to shift their ranges to effectively adapt to changed climatic conditions and resource availability. Moreover, wildlife must be able to move to effectively respond to extreme weather events, including wildfire, drought, and floods.(3) As set forth in Assembly Bill 2344 of the 202122 Regular Session of the Legislature, also known as the Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act, it is the policy of the state to protect, restore, and enhance the functioning of fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity in connection with the planning, construction, and improvement of transportation infrastructure throughout the state.(4) Because regional transportation agencies and metropolitan planning organizations have a role in the funding, construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, it is the intent of the Legislature, in carrying out the policy of the state, to consider and incorporate measures for the avoidance, minimization, and mitigation of impacts to fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity arising from their activities.(5) As set forth in Assembly Bill 1889 of the 202324 Regular Session of the Legislature, also known as the Room to Roam Act, it is the policy of the state to protect, restore, and improve the functioning of fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity in connection with land use planning.(6) Because metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies have a role in influencing land use planning, it is the intent of the Legislature, in carrying out the policy of the state, to consider and implement measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity arising from their activities, plans, and policies. It is further the intent of the Legislature that metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies exercise their authority to implement measures to remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity within their regions, including on transportation infrastructure.(b) This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the Connected Communities Act.
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) Transportation infrastructure and development can adversely impact wildlife by reducing or eliminating their core habitat, severing connections between habitats, and interfering with their behavioral patterns and ability to access food, water, shelter, and genetically diverse mates.(2) Climate change is a significant threat to Californias biodiversity. As climate change alters the habitat, ranges, and movement patterns of numerous animals and plants, wildlife must have the ability to shift their ranges to effectively adapt to changed climatic conditions and resource availability. Moreover, wildlife must be able to move to effectively respond to extreme weather events, including wildfire, drought, and floods.(3) As set forth in Assembly Bill 2344 of the 202122 Regular Session of the Legislature, also known as the Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act, it is the policy of the state to protect, restore, and enhance the functioning of fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity in connection with the planning, construction, and improvement of transportation infrastructure throughout the state.(4) Because regional transportation agencies and metropolitan planning organizations have a role in the funding, construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, it is the intent of the Legislature, in carrying out the policy of the state, to consider and incorporate measures for the avoidance, minimization, and mitigation of impacts to fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity arising from their activities.(5) As set forth in Assembly Bill 1889 of the 202324 Regular Session of the Legislature, also known as the Room to Roam Act, it is the policy of the state to protect, restore, and improve the functioning of fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity in connection with land use planning.(6) Because metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies have a role in influencing land use planning, it is the intent of the Legislature, in carrying out the policy of the state, to consider and implement measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity arising from their activities, plans, and policies. It is further the intent of the Legislature that metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies exercise their authority to implement measures to remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity within their regions, including on transportation infrastructure.(b) This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the Connected Communities Act.
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
### SECTION 1.
(1) Transportation infrastructure and development can adversely impact wildlife by reducing or eliminating their core habitat, severing connections between habitats, and interfering with their behavioral patterns and ability to access food, water, shelter, and genetically diverse mates.
(2) Climate change is a significant threat to Californias biodiversity. As climate change alters the habitat, ranges, and movement patterns of numerous animals and plants, wildlife must have the ability to shift their ranges to effectively adapt to changed climatic conditions and resource availability. Moreover, wildlife must be able to move to effectively respond to extreme weather events, including wildfire, drought, and floods.
(3) As set forth in Assembly Bill 2344 of the 202122 Regular Session of the Legislature, also known as the Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act, it is the policy of the state to protect, restore, and enhance the functioning of fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity in connection with the planning, construction, and improvement of transportation infrastructure throughout the state.
(4) Because regional transportation agencies and metropolitan planning organizations have a role in the funding, construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, it is the intent of the Legislature, in carrying out the policy of the state, to consider and incorporate measures for the avoidance, minimization, and mitigation of impacts to fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity arising from their activities.
(5) As set forth in Assembly Bill 1889 of the 202324 Regular Session of the Legislature, also known as the Room to Roam Act, it is the policy of the state to protect, restore, and improve the functioning of fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity in connection with land use planning.
(6) Because metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies have a role in influencing land use planning, it is the intent of the Legislature, in carrying out the policy of the state, to consider and implement measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to fish, wildlife, and habitat connectivity arising from their activities, plans, and policies. It is further the intent of the Legislature that metropolitan planning organizations and regional transportation agencies exercise their authority to implement measures to remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity within their regions, including on transportation infrastructure.
(b) This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the Connected Communities Act.
SEC. 2. Section 65080.10 is added to the Government Code, to read:65080.10. (a) Upon the adoption or next revision of a regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy on or after January 1, 2028, the regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy shall be updated to:(1) Identify and analyze connectivity areas, permeability, and natural landscape areas, as those terms are defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency.(2) Identify and analyze existing or planned wildlife passage features, as defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, including, but not limited to, wildlife passage features included in the inventory of connectivity needs on the state highway system, as described in Section 158.1 of the Streets and Highways Code, to ensure that planned transportation infrastructure or development does not undermine the effectiveness of existing and potential wildlife passage features.(3) Consider the impacts of development and the barriers caused by transportation infrastructure and development to wildlife and habitat connectivity. For the purposes of this paragraph, wildlife has the same meaning as defined in Section 89.5 of the Fish and Game Code.(4) Avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts and barriers to wildlife movement.(5) Analyze and consider opportunities to remediate existing barriers to wildlife connectivity and restore degraded habitat and open space.(b) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivision (a), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency shall:(1) Incorporate appropriate standards, policies, and feasible implementation programs such as wildlife-friendly fencing and lighting, buffers from sensitive resources, prohibitions on invasive plants, habitat connectivity overlay zones, and compact development standards, or consider whether adoption of an ordinance is necessary to feasibly implement these standards, policies, and implementation programs, and include goals to adopt any necessary ordinance.(2) Consult with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, any California Native American tribe that is on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission and that has traditional lands located partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, and any open-space district that owns lands designated for conservation within the metropolitan planning organization or regional transportation agencys region. Upon receiving a request for consultation, the department, tribe, or district may, in its sole discretion, accept or refuse to consult, based on the priority of natural resources impacted or other factors.(3) Consider relevant best available science as appropriate, including, but not limited to, peer-reviewed literature, citable publicly available datasets, publicly sourced online datasets, and information and reports from governmental agencies, California Native American tribes as specified in paragraph (2), and academic institutions.(4) Consider the most appropriately scaled scientific information on linkages, corridors, and other locations that are essential to maintain landscape connectivity, including, but not limited to, any of the following:(A) Habitat linkages and wildlife corridors, such as those identified and summarized in the Areas of Conservation Emphasis, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 1851 of the Fish and Game Code, and in regional habitat connectivity assessments.(B) Wildlife corridors, such as migration corridors identified by global positioning system collar studies.(C) Wildlife movement barriers, such as connectivity areas, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 158 of the Street and Highways Code, barriers identified by the Department of Fish and Wildlifes Restoring Californias Wildlife Connectivity report, and other areas the Department of Fish and Wildlife determines are important for wildlife habitat and connectivity.(D) Other connectivity considerations, such as those outlined in the State Wildlife Action Plan, habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code, regional conservation investment strategies approved pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 1850) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code, and other relevant plans, policies, and ordinances adopted by neighboring jurisdictions or regions.(c) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivisions (a) and (b), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency may do all of the following:(1) Consult with cities or counties within or outside of their region, and appropriate local, state, or federal agencies, or academic institutions.(2) Incorporate relevant information, guidelines, and standards from applicable conservation elements approved pursuant to Section 65302, applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.(d) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as superseding the exercise of the land use authority of cities and counties within the region.
SEC. 2. Section 65080.10 is added to the Government Code, to read:
### SEC. 2.
65080.10. (a) Upon the adoption or next revision of a regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy on or after January 1, 2028, the regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy shall be updated to:(1) Identify and analyze connectivity areas, permeability, and natural landscape areas, as those terms are defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency.(2) Identify and analyze existing or planned wildlife passage features, as defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, including, but not limited to, wildlife passage features included in the inventory of connectivity needs on the state highway system, as described in Section 158.1 of the Streets and Highways Code, to ensure that planned transportation infrastructure or development does not undermine the effectiveness of existing and potential wildlife passage features.(3) Consider the impacts of development and the barriers caused by transportation infrastructure and development to wildlife and habitat connectivity. For the purposes of this paragraph, wildlife has the same meaning as defined in Section 89.5 of the Fish and Game Code.(4) Avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts and barriers to wildlife movement.(5) Analyze and consider opportunities to remediate existing barriers to wildlife connectivity and restore degraded habitat and open space.(b) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivision (a), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency shall:(1) Incorporate appropriate standards, policies, and feasible implementation programs such as wildlife-friendly fencing and lighting, buffers from sensitive resources, prohibitions on invasive plants, habitat connectivity overlay zones, and compact development standards, or consider whether adoption of an ordinance is necessary to feasibly implement these standards, policies, and implementation programs, and include goals to adopt any necessary ordinance.(2) Consult with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, any California Native American tribe that is on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission and that has traditional lands located partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, and any open-space district that owns lands designated for conservation within the metropolitan planning organization or regional transportation agencys region. Upon receiving a request for consultation, the department, tribe, or district may, in its sole discretion, accept or refuse to consult, based on the priority of natural resources impacted or other factors.(3) Consider relevant best available science as appropriate, including, but not limited to, peer-reviewed literature, citable publicly available datasets, publicly sourced online datasets, and information and reports from governmental agencies, California Native American tribes as specified in paragraph (2), and academic institutions.(4) Consider the most appropriately scaled scientific information on linkages, corridors, and other locations that are essential to maintain landscape connectivity, including, but not limited to, any of the following:(A) Habitat linkages and wildlife corridors, such as those identified and summarized in the Areas of Conservation Emphasis, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 1851 of the Fish and Game Code, and in regional habitat connectivity assessments.(B) Wildlife corridors, such as migration corridors identified by global positioning system collar studies.(C) Wildlife movement barriers, such as connectivity areas, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 158 of the Street and Highways Code, barriers identified by the Department of Fish and Wildlifes Restoring Californias Wildlife Connectivity report, and other areas the Department of Fish and Wildlife determines are important for wildlife habitat and connectivity.(D) Other connectivity considerations, such as those outlined in the State Wildlife Action Plan, habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code, regional conservation investment strategies approved pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 1850) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code, and other relevant plans, policies, and ordinances adopted by neighboring jurisdictions or regions.(c) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivisions (a) and (b), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency may do all of the following:(1) Consult with cities or counties within or outside of their region, and appropriate local, state, or federal agencies, or academic institutions.(2) Incorporate relevant information, guidelines, and standards from applicable conservation elements approved pursuant to Section 65302, applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.(d) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as superseding the exercise of the land use authority of cities and counties within the region.
65080.10. (a) Upon the adoption or next revision of a regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy on or after January 1, 2028, the regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy shall be updated to:(1) Identify and analyze connectivity areas, permeability, and natural landscape areas, as those terms are defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency.(2) Identify and analyze existing or planned wildlife passage features, as defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, including, but not limited to, wildlife passage features included in the inventory of connectivity needs on the state highway system, as described in Section 158.1 of the Streets and Highways Code, to ensure that planned transportation infrastructure or development does not undermine the effectiveness of existing and potential wildlife passage features.(3) Consider the impacts of development and the barriers caused by transportation infrastructure and development to wildlife and habitat connectivity. For the purposes of this paragraph, wildlife has the same meaning as defined in Section 89.5 of the Fish and Game Code.(4) Avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts and barriers to wildlife movement.(5) Analyze and consider opportunities to remediate existing barriers to wildlife connectivity and restore degraded habitat and open space.(b) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivision (a), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency shall:(1) Incorporate appropriate standards, policies, and feasible implementation programs such as wildlife-friendly fencing and lighting, buffers from sensitive resources, prohibitions on invasive plants, habitat connectivity overlay zones, and compact development standards, or consider whether adoption of an ordinance is necessary to feasibly implement these standards, policies, and implementation programs, and include goals to adopt any necessary ordinance.(2) Consult with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, any California Native American tribe that is on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission and that has traditional lands located partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, and any open-space district that owns lands designated for conservation within the metropolitan planning organization or regional transportation agencys region. Upon receiving a request for consultation, the department, tribe, or district may, in its sole discretion, accept or refuse to consult, based on the priority of natural resources impacted or other factors.(3) Consider relevant best available science as appropriate, including, but not limited to, peer-reviewed literature, citable publicly available datasets, publicly sourced online datasets, and information and reports from governmental agencies, California Native American tribes as specified in paragraph (2), and academic institutions.(4) Consider the most appropriately scaled scientific information on linkages, corridors, and other locations that are essential to maintain landscape connectivity, including, but not limited to, any of the following:(A) Habitat linkages and wildlife corridors, such as those identified and summarized in the Areas of Conservation Emphasis, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 1851 of the Fish and Game Code, and in regional habitat connectivity assessments.(B) Wildlife corridors, such as migration corridors identified by global positioning system collar studies.(C) Wildlife movement barriers, such as connectivity areas, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 158 of the Street and Highways Code, barriers identified by the Department of Fish and Wildlifes Restoring Californias Wildlife Connectivity report, and other areas the Department of Fish and Wildlife determines are important for wildlife habitat and connectivity.(D) Other connectivity considerations, such as those outlined in the State Wildlife Action Plan, habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code, regional conservation investment strategies approved pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 1850) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code, and other relevant plans, policies, and ordinances adopted by neighboring jurisdictions or regions.(c) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivisions (a) and (b), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency may do all of the following:(1) Consult with cities or counties within or outside of their region, and appropriate local, state, or federal agencies, or academic institutions.(2) Incorporate relevant information, guidelines, and standards from applicable conservation elements approved pursuant to Section 65302, applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.(d) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as superseding the exercise of the land use authority of cities and counties within the region.
65080.10. (a) Upon the adoption or next revision of a regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy on or after January 1, 2028, the regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy shall be updated to:(1) Identify and analyze connectivity areas, permeability, and natural landscape areas, as those terms are defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency.(2) Identify and analyze existing or planned wildlife passage features, as defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, including, but not limited to, wildlife passage features included in the inventory of connectivity needs on the state highway system, as described in Section 158.1 of the Streets and Highways Code, to ensure that planned transportation infrastructure or development does not undermine the effectiveness of existing and potential wildlife passage features.(3) Consider the impacts of development and the barriers caused by transportation infrastructure and development to wildlife and habitat connectivity. For the purposes of this paragraph, wildlife has the same meaning as defined in Section 89.5 of the Fish and Game Code.(4) Avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts and barriers to wildlife movement.(5) Analyze and consider opportunities to remediate existing barriers to wildlife connectivity and restore degraded habitat and open space.(b) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivision (a), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency shall:(1) Incorporate appropriate standards, policies, and feasible implementation programs such as wildlife-friendly fencing and lighting, buffers from sensitive resources, prohibitions on invasive plants, habitat connectivity overlay zones, and compact development standards, or consider whether adoption of an ordinance is necessary to feasibly implement these standards, policies, and implementation programs, and include goals to adopt any necessary ordinance.(2) Consult with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, any California Native American tribe that is on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission and that has traditional lands located partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, and any open-space district that owns lands designated for conservation within the metropolitan planning organization or regional transportation agencys region. Upon receiving a request for consultation, the department, tribe, or district may, in its sole discretion, accept or refuse to consult, based on the priority of natural resources impacted or other factors.(3) Consider relevant best available science as appropriate, including, but not limited to, peer-reviewed literature, citable publicly available datasets, publicly sourced online datasets, and information and reports from governmental agencies, California Native American tribes as specified in paragraph (2), and academic institutions.(4) Consider the most appropriately scaled scientific information on linkages, corridors, and other locations that are essential to maintain landscape connectivity, including, but not limited to, any of the following:(A) Habitat linkages and wildlife corridors, such as those identified and summarized in the Areas of Conservation Emphasis, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 1851 of the Fish and Game Code, and in regional habitat connectivity assessments.(B) Wildlife corridors, such as migration corridors identified by global positioning system collar studies.(C) Wildlife movement barriers, such as connectivity areas, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 158 of the Street and Highways Code, barriers identified by the Department of Fish and Wildlifes Restoring Californias Wildlife Connectivity report, and other areas the Department of Fish and Wildlife determines are important for wildlife habitat and connectivity.(D) Other connectivity considerations, such as those outlined in the State Wildlife Action Plan, habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code, regional conservation investment strategies approved pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 1850) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code, and other relevant plans, policies, and ordinances adopted by neighboring jurisdictions or regions.(c) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivisions (a) and (b), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency may do all of the following:(1) Consult with cities or counties within or outside of their region, and appropriate local, state, or federal agencies, or academic institutions.(2) Incorporate relevant information, guidelines, and standards from applicable conservation elements approved pursuant to Section 65302, applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.(d) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as superseding the exercise of the land use authority of cities and counties within the region.
65080.10. (a) Upon the adoption or next revision of a regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy on or after January 1, 2028, the regional transportation plan or sustainable communities strategy shall be updated to:
(1) Identify and analyze connectivity areas, permeability, and natural landscape areas, as those terms are defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency.
(2) Identify and analyze existing or planned wildlife passage features, as defined in Section 158 of the Streets and Highways Code, that are partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, including, but not limited to, wildlife passage features included in the inventory of connectivity needs on the state highway system, as described in Section 158.1 of the Streets and Highways Code, to ensure that planned transportation infrastructure or development does not undermine the effectiveness of existing and potential wildlife passage features.
(3) Consider the impacts of development and the barriers caused by transportation infrastructure and development to wildlife and habitat connectivity. For the purposes of this paragraph, wildlife has the same meaning as defined in Section 89.5 of the Fish and Game Code.
(4) Avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts and barriers to wildlife movement.
(5) Analyze and consider opportunities to remediate existing barriers to wildlife connectivity and restore degraded habitat and open space.
(b) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivision (a), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency shall:
(1) Incorporate appropriate standards, policies, and feasible implementation programs such as wildlife-friendly fencing and lighting, buffers from sensitive resources, prohibitions on invasive plants, habitat connectivity overlay zones, and compact development standards, or consider whether adoption of an ordinance is necessary to feasibly implement these standards, policies, and implementation programs, and include goals to adopt any necessary ordinance.
(2) Consult with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, any California Native American tribe that is on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission and that has traditional lands located partially or fully within the region of the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency, and any open-space district that owns lands designated for conservation within the metropolitan planning organization or regional transportation agencys region. Upon receiving a request for consultation, the department, tribe, or district may, in its sole discretion, accept or refuse to consult, based on the priority of natural resources impacted or other factors.
(3) Consider relevant best available science as appropriate, including, but not limited to, peer-reviewed literature, citable publicly available datasets, publicly sourced online datasets, and information and reports from governmental agencies, California Native American tribes as specified in paragraph (2), and academic institutions.
(4) Consider the most appropriately scaled scientific information on linkages, corridors, and other locations that are essential to maintain landscape connectivity, including, but not limited to, any of the following:
(A) Habitat linkages and wildlife corridors, such as those identified and summarized in the Areas of Conservation Emphasis, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 1851 of the Fish and Game Code, and in regional habitat connectivity assessments.
(B) Wildlife corridors, such as migration corridors identified by global positioning system collar studies.
(C) Wildlife movement barriers, such as connectivity areas, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 158 of the Street and Highways Code, barriers identified by the Department of Fish and Wildlifes Restoring Californias Wildlife Connectivity report, and other areas the Department of Fish and Wildlife determines are important for wildlife habitat and connectivity.
(D) Other connectivity considerations, such as those outlined in the State Wildlife Action Plan, habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code, regional conservation investment strategies approved pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 1850) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code, and other relevant plans, policies, and ordinances adopted by neighboring jurisdictions or regions.
(c) In implementing the requirements set forth in subdivisions (a) and (b), the metropolitan planning organization or transportation planning agency may do all of the following:
(1) Consult with cities or counties within or outside of their region, and appropriate local, state, or federal agencies, or academic institutions.
(2) Incorporate relevant information, guidelines, and standards from applicable conservation elements approved pursuant to Section 65302, applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code, and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as superseding the exercise of the land use authority of cities and counties within the region.
SEC. 3. Section 158.6 is added to the Streets and Highways Code, to read:158.6. (a) (1) For any transportation infrastructure project located in a connectivity area beginning the project initiation phase on or after January 1, 2026, that adds a traffic lane or that has the potential to significantly impair wildlife connectivity based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall perform an assessment, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, before commencing project design and continuing through the development of the project and into implementation, to identify potential wildlife connectivity barriers and any needs for improved permeability.(2) As part of the assessment, the regional transportation agency shall consider factors affecting wildlife connectivity that provide scalable solutions for all defined species needs, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.(3) The assessment may incorporate relevant guidelines and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.(4) The regional transportation agency shall submit the assessment to the Department of Fish and Wildlife and, if any structural barrier to wildlife connectivity exists or will be added by the project in the connectivity area based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity in conjunction with the project. A project subject to this requirement may incorporate relevant assessments, guidelines, and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the California Fish and Game Code.(5) The regional transportation agency shall publish on its internet website a list of all of the transportation infrastructure projects that require remediation pursuant to paragraph (4) and information regarding whether wildlife passage features are included in those projects or if mitigation credits are applied to the project pursuant to subdivision (b). The regional transportation agency shall update the project list biennially, at a minimum, and may update the list more often, as needed.(b) Regional transportation agencies may use compensatory mitigation credits approved pursuant to Section 1957 of the Fish and Game Code to satisfy the requirements of this section if the Department of Fish and Wildlife concurs with the use of those credits.
SEC. 3. Section 158.6 is added to the Streets and Highways Code, to read:
### SEC. 3.
158.6. (a) (1) For any transportation infrastructure project located in a connectivity area beginning the project initiation phase on or after January 1, 2026, that adds a traffic lane or that has the potential to significantly impair wildlife connectivity based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall perform an assessment, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, before commencing project design and continuing through the development of the project and into implementation, to identify potential wildlife connectivity barriers and any needs for improved permeability.(2) As part of the assessment, the regional transportation agency shall consider factors affecting wildlife connectivity that provide scalable solutions for all defined species needs, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.(3) The assessment may incorporate relevant guidelines and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.(4) The regional transportation agency shall submit the assessment to the Department of Fish and Wildlife and, if any structural barrier to wildlife connectivity exists or will be added by the project in the connectivity area based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity in conjunction with the project. A project subject to this requirement may incorporate relevant assessments, guidelines, and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the California Fish and Game Code.(5) The regional transportation agency shall publish on its internet website a list of all of the transportation infrastructure projects that require remediation pursuant to paragraph (4) and information regarding whether wildlife passage features are included in those projects or if mitigation credits are applied to the project pursuant to subdivision (b). The regional transportation agency shall update the project list biennially, at a minimum, and may update the list more often, as needed.(b) Regional transportation agencies may use compensatory mitigation credits approved pursuant to Section 1957 of the Fish and Game Code to satisfy the requirements of this section if the Department of Fish and Wildlife concurs with the use of those credits.
158.6. (a) (1) For any transportation infrastructure project located in a connectivity area beginning the project initiation phase on or after January 1, 2026, that adds a traffic lane or that has the potential to significantly impair wildlife connectivity based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall perform an assessment, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, before commencing project design and continuing through the development of the project and into implementation, to identify potential wildlife connectivity barriers and any needs for improved permeability.(2) As part of the assessment, the regional transportation agency shall consider factors affecting wildlife connectivity that provide scalable solutions for all defined species needs, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.(3) The assessment may incorporate relevant guidelines and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.(4) The regional transportation agency shall submit the assessment to the Department of Fish and Wildlife and, if any structural barrier to wildlife connectivity exists or will be added by the project in the connectivity area based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity in conjunction with the project. A project subject to this requirement may incorporate relevant assessments, guidelines, and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the California Fish and Game Code.(5) The regional transportation agency shall publish on its internet website a list of all of the transportation infrastructure projects that require remediation pursuant to paragraph (4) and information regarding whether wildlife passage features are included in those projects or if mitigation credits are applied to the project pursuant to subdivision (b). The regional transportation agency shall update the project list biennially, at a minimum, and may update the list more often, as needed.(b) Regional transportation agencies may use compensatory mitigation credits approved pursuant to Section 1957 of the Fish and Game Code to satisfy the requirements of this section if the Department of Fish and Wildlife concurs with the use of those credits.
158.6. (a) (1) For any transportation infrastructure project located in a connectivity area beginning the project initiation phase on or after January 1, 2026, that adds a traffic lane or that has the potential to significantly impair wildlife connectivity based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall perform an assessment, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, before commencing project design and continuing through the development of the project and into implementation, to identify potential wildlife connectivity barriers and any needs for improved permeability.(2) As part of the assessment, the regional transportation agency shall consider factors affecting wildlife connectivity that provide scalable solutions for all defined species needs, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.(3) The assessment may incorporate relevant guidelines and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.(4) The regional transportation agency shall submit the assessment to the Department of Fish and Wildlife and, if any structural barrier to wildlife connectivity exists or will be added by the project in the connectivity area based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity in conjunction with the project. A project subject to this requirement may incorporate relevant assessments, guidelines, and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the California Fish and Game Code.(5) The regional transportation agency shall publish on its internet website a list of all of the transportation infrastructure projects that require remediation pursuant to paragraph (4) and information regarding whether wildlife passage features are included in those projects or if mitigation credits are applied to the project pursuant to subdivision (b). The regional transportation agency shall update the project list biennially, at a minimum, and may update the list more often, as needed.(b) Regional transportation agencies may use compensatory mitigation credits approved pursuant to Section 1957 of the Fish and Game Code to satisfy the requirements of this section if the Department of Fish and Wildlife concurs with the use of those credits.
158.6. (a) (1) For any transportation infrastructure project located in a connectivity area beginning the project initiation phase on or after January 1, 2026, that adds a traffic lane or that has the potential to significantly impair wildlife connectivity based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall perform an assessment, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, before commencing project design and continuing through the development of the project and into implementation, to identify potential wildlife connectivity barriers and any needs for improved permeability.
(2) As part of the assessment, the regional transportation agency shall consider factors affecting wildlife connectivity that provide scalable solutions for all defined species needs, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
(3) The assessment may incorporate relevant guidelines and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code.
(4) The regional transportation agency shall submit the assessment to the Department of Fish and Wildlife and, if any structural barrier to wildlife connectivity exists or will be added by the project in the connectivity area based on criteria developed by the Department of Transportation and Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Section 158.2, the regional transportation agency shall remediate barriers to wildlife connectivity in conjunction with the project. A project subject to this requirement may incorporate relevant assessments, guidelines, and standards in applicable habitat conservation plans approved pursuant to Section 1539 of Title 16 of the United States Code and natural community conservation plans approved pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the California Fish and Game Code.
(5) The regional transportation agency shall publish on its internet website a list of all of the transportation infrastructure projects that require remediation pursuant to paragraph (4) and information regarding whether wildlife passage features are included in those projects or if mitigation credits are applied to the project pursuant to subdivision (b). The regional transportation agency shall update the project list biennially, at a minimum, and may update the list more often, as needed.
(b) Regional transportation agencies may use compensatory mitigation credits approved pursuant to Section 1957 of the Fish and Game Code to satisfy the requirements of this section if the Department of Fish and Wildlife concurs with the use of those credits.
SEC. 4. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 4. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 4. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
### SEC. 4.