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CaliforniaSB 8312025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Geologic hazards: California Geological Survey.

Sponsored By: Monique Limón (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Small land conversions and defensible space

You can get a one‑time exemption to convert under three acres to a non‑timber use. You can use this only once every five years, and it ends if ownership changes; you must notify the department within five days. Violations can cost up to $10,000 per violation. You may also cut trees to reduce fire risk up to 150 feet from a permitted structure. You must follow board rules and cannot clearcut; noncompliant work can be declared a nuisance and the cleanup cost can become a lien.

Earthquake zone maps and home disclosures

The State Geologist maps earthquake fault and seismic hazard zones. Cities and counties get 90 days to comment on draft maps. Counties must post a notice within five days when official maps arrive. If a seller or agent knows a home is in a mapped seismic hazard zone, they must tell buyers. Use the Local Option Transfer Disclosure or the Natural Hazard Disclosure form. A geotechnical report can be attached to show a home is not in the zone.

New forest work rules and exemptions

The Forest Resilience Exemption lets you harvest up to 500 acres to reduce fire spread, but only under strict rules. You must reduce fuel continuity, keep most large trees, manage slash and debris, and follow tight limits on roads and pesticides. Notices must include maps and any required archaeological letters, and operations usually wait 10 working days unless waived; one notice type allows work if the director does not act within five days. Helicopter yarding is banned, and agencies can inspect with proper notice. The board can also exempt narrow tasks like utility line clearing and removal of dead trees. CAL FIRE works with water, wildlife, and geology agencies when choosing fuel‑reduction projects. This exemption ends January 1, 2031.

Stronger state geologic hazard services

The California Geological Survey is the state’s main office for geologic hazards. It keeps strong‑motion instruments working, shares records and interpretations, and gives technical help to builders. The survey can enter mines, quarries, and similar sites to gather data. It can keep company mineral‑use reports confidential while publishing only non‑identifying totals. Other agencies keep their existing geologic roles. Some older code sections are repealed.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Monique Limón

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Al Muratsuchi

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 122 • No: 2

House vote • 9/4/2025

Item 67 — Assembly AFLOOR

Yes: 65 • No: 2

legislature vote • 7/2/2025

Vote in CX25

Yes: 10 • No: 0

legislature vote • 6/23/2025

Vote in CX16

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/2/2025

Item 38 — Senate SFLOOR

Yes: 29 • No: 0

legislature vote • 4/8/2025

Vote in CS55

Yes: 5 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 236, Statutes of 2025.

    10/1/2025Senate

  2. Approved by the Governor.

    10/1/2025legislature

  3. Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 2 p.m.

    9/10/2025legislature

  4. In Senate. Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.

    9/4/2025Senate

  5. Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 65. Noes 2. Page 2904.) Ordered to the Senate.

    9/4/2025House

  6. Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

    7/3/2025House

  7. From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (July 2).

    7/2/2025House

  8. From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (June 23). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

    6/24/2025House

  9. Coauthors revised.

    6/24/2025House

  10. Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.

    6/9/2025House

  11. In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.

    6/3/2025House

  12. Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 29. Noes 0. Page 1403.) Ordered to the Assembly.

    6/2/2025Senate

  13. Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

    4/22/2025Senate

  14. From committee: Be ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8.

    4/21/2025Senate

  15. Set for hearing April 21.

    4/9/2025Senate

  16. From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 0. Page 708.) (April 8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

    4/8/2025Senate

  17. Set for hearing April 8.

    3/24/2025Senate

  18. Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.

    3/12/2025Senate

  19. Read first time.

    2/24/2025Senate

  20. From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 24.

    2/24/2025Senate

  21. Introduced. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

    2/21/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Chaptered

    10/1/2025

    HTML

  • Enrolled

    9/8/2025

    HTML

  • Introduced

    2/21/2025

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