Bill > AB803

This bill amends the California Urban Forestry Act of 1978 to expand the focus and scope of urban forestry programs, with a particular emphasis on school greening. The bill adds "school greening" as a key benefit of urban forestry, defining it as any project that reduces ambient temperature on school grounds. It requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to provide technical assistance for improving public schools by creating tree-shaded, natural school grounds and to include school greening as a problem to be addressed in urban forestry programs. The bill extends the deadline for submitting a statewide strategic plan to increase urban tree canopy by 10% to June 30, 2026, with a priority on disadvantaged and low-income communities. Additionally, the bill authorizes grants for school greening projects that optimize tree canopy cover and nature-based learning, and allows for negotiated indirect cost rate agreements for projects funded by state or federal dollars. The broader goal is to promote urban forests as a multifunctional resource that can address environmental challenges, improve community well-being, and support climate adaptation efforts, with a new focus on enhancing educational environments through strategic tree planting and green infrastructure.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB803