Bill > SB1250

This bill aims to improve wildlife connectivity across California's state highway system by requiring the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to integrate wildlife considerations into their planning and asset management processes. Specifically, it mandates that the CTC's performance measures and targets for the state highway system must include goals for "wildlife connectivity assets," which are defined as elements that help wildlife move between fragmented habitats, reduce roadkill, and maintain species movement while also improving road safety. Caltrans will be required to include these wildlife connectivity assets, such as wildlife crossings, improved bridges, and habitat corridors, in its asset management plan, which guides project selection for highway operations and protection. The bill also explicitly directs Caltrans to develop a comprehensive approach to address wildlife connectivity needs statewide, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the public, and to jointly establish and update an inventory of connectivity needs with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. This inventory will identify areas where wildlife passage features can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions or enhance connectivity, considering factors like cost-effectiveness, land acquisition feasibility, public support, and the potential to increase climate-resilient wildlife connectivity and aid endangered species. Finally, Caltrans will be required to report on its progress in implementing these wildlife connectivity measures, including funding and accomplishments, by July 1, 2028.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB1250