Bill > SB1250

This bill requires the California Department of Transportation, commonly known as Caltrans, to take formal steps to protect wildlife by incorporating wildlife connectivity into state transportation planning and asset management. Specifically, the legislation mandates that Caltrans—working in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and allowing for public input—prepare and publish a supplemental list of wildlife connectivity improvements, such as wildlife crossings and passage features designed to reduce animal-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connections. This supplemental list must be submitted to the California Transportation Commission for review before final publication. Additionally, the bill directs Caltrans to base its biennial updates of statewide highway connectivity needs on analyses of priority route segments identified by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, requires the formal inclusion of wildlife connectivity as an objective within the broader State Highway System Management Plan (a comprehensive planning document guiding state highway rehabilitation, maintenance, and performance measures), and mandates a comprehensive progress report to the Legislature by July 1, 2028.