Bill > SB424

This bill adds a specific exemption to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which normally requires detailed environmental impact reviews for projects that might significantly affect the environment. The new exemption allows certain projects to bypass the full CEQA review process if they meet three specific criteria: (1) the project is developed solely to address an urgent public health or housing need as defined by federal or state policy, (2) the project is located within the boundaries of an expired regional habitat conservation plan, and (3) the project has already undergone an environmental review that was consistent with the requirements of the regional habitat conservation plan before its expiration. The project must also be located in an urbanized area and cover less than 15 acres. This exemption is designed to streamline development of critical health and housing projects in areas that have previously been studied for environmental impact. The bill also includes a provision stating that local agencies do not need to be reimbursed for implementing this new exemption, as they have the authority to levy fees to cover any associated costs. This change aims to reduce bureaucratic barriers to developing urgent public health and housing projects in specific pre-studied areas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB424