California Assembly Bill AB43

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/2/24
• Refer: 2/3/25
• Report Pass: 3/25/25
• Refer: 3/25/25
• Refer: 4/9/25
• Report Pass: 5/23/25
• Engrossed: 5/29/25
• Refer: 5/29/25
• Refer: 6/11/25
• Report Pass: 6/24/25
• Refer: 6/24/25

Caption

Wild and scenic rivers.

Impact

If passed, AB 43 would allow for a more consistent and streamlined process for the addition of rivers to California’s wild and scenic system in response to federal actions. This could strengthen state-level environmental protections by allowing the state to respond promptly to changes at the federal level regarding river protections. The indefinite extension would also ensure that California maintains the ability to safeguard these natural resources beyond the previously imposed deadline, potentially enhancing the conservation of rivers that may be at risk due to federal exemptions or delistings.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 43, introduced by Assembly Member Schultz, seeks to amend Section 5093.71 of the Public Resources Code regarding the state's wild and scenic rivers system. This bill proposes to indefinitely extend the authority of the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to add rivers or segments of rivers to the state wild and scenic rivers system, particularly when the federal government enacts actions that require removal or delisting of such segments from the national wild and scenic rivers system. Currently, this authority is bound by a deadline of December 31, 2025, which the bill aims to eliminate.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding AB 43 may arise concerning local governance versus state control over environmental regulations. Some stakeholders may argue that extending the Secretary's authority could lead to state overreach, curtailing local efforts to manage river systems according to community needs. There may also be concerns regarding the impacts on existing federal designations and whether this state action could create conflicts with comprehensively established federal management plans for rivers already designated under national protections.