CaliforniaSB 7272025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

The Great Redwood Trail Agency.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Competitive bidding opens GRTA contracts

The Great Redwood Trail Agency must send most higher-cost jobs to outside contractors. Agency staff cannot self-perform work over the state public contracting threshold, except for environmental preservation or habitat work, maintenance, or emergencies. For larger jobs, the agency uses formal competitive bidding and generally awards to the lowest responsible bidder after advertising and requiring bonds. In an emergency when there is no time to give bid notice, the board follows state emergency contracting rules so work can start faster.

Build and manage the rail corridor

The agency acquires, owns, and manages rail lines, rights‑of‑way, and related property. It may lease or sell property only if rail restoration stays possible and continuous trail use is not blocked under recommended standards. The agency can fund or run corridor projects and make grants to partners for mission‑related work. It may also partner with other public bodies through joint powers agreements.

Creates trail agency and board

The law creates the Great Redwood Trail Agency as a state subdivision. A board runs it: two members from each of Humboldt, Marin, Mendocino, and Sonoma counties, plus one city representative. The Governor may appoint two nonvoting state agency members. Voting directors serve two-year terms. Local officials and state commission members may also serve on this board. The law defines “agency,” “board,” and the dividing line at the Mendocino–Sonoma county boundary.

Southern segment partners and naming

When the district gets the agency’s rail rights south of the Mendocino–Sonoma line, it must name a single contact for the agency. The district can partner or contract with the agency to build and maintain bike and walking paths. Some paths are named the Great Redwood Trail, Southern Segment, including a Larkspur‑to‑Golden Gate Bridge path. These paths are not GRTA property and are not covered by the agency’s environmental report.

Staffing and legal tools for agency

The agency can contract with the State Coastal Conservancy or others for staffing and services. It must have needed professional staff starting July 1, 2022. The agency hires employees, sets duties, and sets pay. It can hire lawyers and other professionals, and it can sue and be sued. The agency may adopt and change an official seal.

Faster contracting and cleanup rules

Public works contracts follow the agency’s formal bid rules. The agency is exempt from Article 5 rules for projects on property it owns or controls, but those rules still apply on others’ property. The board may do work without bids if all bids are rejected or none are received, or for maintenance, habitat, or emergencies. Track and ties left in a railbanked corridor are not treated as “waste” while railbanked or under federal Surface Transportation Board jurisdiction.

Free access, plus fees and concessions

Public access to agency land is free. The agency can charge for services or special uses and can accept grants, gifts, rents, and royalties. Some commercial, educational, or cultural uses that support the trail count as the agency’s use, which helps concession and lease deals on agency land.

Budget rules, audits, and debt

By June 30 each year, the executive director submits a budget and the board adopts it by majority vote. Any increase after adoption needs a two‑thirds board vote. Budgets must balance, with funding equal to spending. The board provides regular audits and keeps accounts under government rules. The agency can receive state funds when the Legislature appropriates them and can borrow money and pledge security. The state is not liable for NCRRA or GRTA debts, and local governments can seek reimbursement if the act creates state‑mandated costs.

Trail rules, safety, and volunteers

The agency makes and enforces rules for trail use, maintenance, and any excursion rail service. It adopts ordinances under state procedures. It can hire state or local law enforcement to enforce its rules. It recruits volunteers and experts to run programs and help with maintenance. The agency can provide or obtain insurance to manage risk.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mike McGuire
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 169 • No: 0

House vote • 9/13/2025

Item 37 — Assembly AFLOOR

Yes: 80 • No: 0

legislature vote • 8/29/2025

Vote in CX25

Yes: 15 • No: 0

legislature vote • 7/7/2025

Vote in CX22

Yes: 16 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/4/2025

Item 109 — Senate SFLOOR

Yes: 39 • No: 0

legislature vote • 5/23/2025

Vote in CS61

Yes: 6 • No: 0

legislature vote • 5/12/2025