Bill > SB839

This bill proposes several key changes related to oil spills, fishing restrictions, and liability. It primarily modifies the director of Fish and Wildlife's authority regarding water closures after oil spills, changing from a mandatory closure requirement to a discretionary one, while mandating closure if the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) determines a public health threat exists. The bill expands consultation requirements between the director and OEHHA, establishes specific conditions for potential closures, and allows OEHHA to seek reimbursement for its costs. Additionally, the legislation removes the liability exemption for oil or natural gas discharge from private pleasure boats, making boat owners potentially responsible for damages. The bill also expands grant eligibility for oil spill response and environmental enhancement programs to include federally recognized tribes, whereas previously only Native American tribes were eligible. The legislation makes it unlawful to take fish or shellfish from closed waters and creates new potential criminal penalties. Notably, the bill includes a provision that no reimbursement is required from the state for implementing these changes, particularly because the act creates new potential criminal infractions. These modifications aim to improve oil spill response, protect public health, and clarify liability and grant procedures related to environmental protection.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB839