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CaliforniaAB 11392025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: public access: nonmotorized recreation.

Sponsored By: Chris Rogers (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Easier park trail access with limits

The law lets county park agencies, park districts, and the Great Redwood Trail Agency approve public access for nonmotorized recreation. It applies to existing roads, trails, pathways, and disturbed parking areas, with no new paving or grading. Only minimal changes are allowed, like signs, portable restrooms, and erosion controls. The exemption cannot be used if significant environmental harm is likely, and it does not override conservation easements or habitat plans. The law defines nonmotorized recreation and public access, and this authority ends January 1, 2030.

Public notice and resource plan required

Before using the exemption, the agency must hold a public meeting. It must post notice on its website and at the site at least 30 days ahead. The agency must adopt a natural resource management plan that identifies sensitive species and habitats, soils and erosion, water, fire risks, and tribal, historic, and cultural resources, with steps to avoid harm and maintain the area. The agency must find, with substantial evidence, that the criteria are met and that funding is sufficient to carry out the plan. Adopting the plan itself is not subject to CEQA, and after approving an exempt project, the agency must file a notice with the State Clearinghouse and the county clerk.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Chris Rogers

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 238 • No: 0

House vote • 8/28/2025

Item 14 — Assembly AFLOOR

Yes: 76 • No: 0

Senate vote • 8/25/2025

Item 261 — Senate SFLOOR

Yes: 37 • No: 0

legislature vote • 7/16/2025

Vote in CS55

Yes: 7 • No: 0

legislature vote • 7/2/2025

Vote in CS64

Yes: 8 • No: 0

House vote • 5/23/2025

Item 58 — Assembly AFLOOR

Yes: 70 • No: 0

legislature vote • 5/14/2025

Vote in CX25

Yes: 15 • No: 0

legislature vote • 4/29/2025

Vote in CX24

Yes: 12 • No: 0

legislature vote • 4/7/2025

Vote in CX16

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 391, Statutes of 2025.

    10/6/2025Senate

  2. Approved by the Governor.

    10/6/2025legislature

  3. Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.

    9/4/2025legislature

  4. Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 76. Noes 0. Page 2763.).

    8/28/2025House

  5. In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.

    8/26/2025House

  6. Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 37. Noes 0. Page 2251.).

    8/25/2025Senate

  7. Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.

    8/20/2025Senate

  8. From committee: Be ordered to second reading file pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8 and ordered to Consent Calendar.

    8/19/2025Senate

  9. From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (July 16). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

    7/16/2025Senate

  10. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on N.R. & W.

    7/7/2025Senate

  11. From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on N.R. & W. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (July 2).

    7/3/2025Senate

  12. In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.

    6/18/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Coms. on E.Q. and N.R. & W.

    6/4/2025Senate

  14. In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.

    5/23/2025Senate

  15. Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 70. Noes 0. Page 1656.)

    5/23/2025House

  16. Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

    5/15/2025House

  17. From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 14).

    5/14/2025House

  18. From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (April 29). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

    4/30/2025House

  19. Re-referred to Com. on W. P., & W.

    4/10/2025House

  20. Read second time and amended.

    4/9/2025House

  21. From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on W. P., & W. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (April 7).

    4/8/2025House

  22. Referred to Coms. on NAT. RES. and W. P., & W.

    3/10/2025House

  23. From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.

    2/21/2025House

  24. Read first time. To print.

    2/20/2025House

Bill Text

  • Chaptered

    10/6/2025

    HTML

  • Enrolled

    9/2/2025

    HTML

  • Amended Senate

    7/7/2025

    HTML

  • Amended Assembly

    4/9/2025

    HTML

  • Introduced

    2/20/2025

    HTML

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