Plain English Breakdown
The official text is truncated at section (3), so any provisions in that missing section are not included.
Public Resources Trailer Bill (AB-149)
This law expands rules to stop harmful nonnative mussels in California waters and creates a pilot program to help socially disadvantaged farmers share equipment.
What This Bill Does
- Changes laws that previously covered only dreissenid mussels so they now apply to invasive mussels, defined as any nonnative detrimental mussel species.
- Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to review all approved reservoir prevention plans by December 31, 2026.
- Mandates updates for any plan that does not address all invasive mussel species known to be present in state waters as of January 1, 2026.
- Renames the quagga and zebra mussel infestation prevention fee to the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee.
- Increases the amount of the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee starting in calendar year 2026.
- Requires that the new fee amounts be adjusted for inflation each year after 2026.
- Renames the quagga and zebra mussel infestation prevention sticker to the invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker.
- Establishes a pilot program called the Regional Farmer Equipment and Cooperative Resources Assistance Pilot Program under the Farmer Equity Act of 2017.
- Provides financial and technical assistance through the new program to support regional farm equipment sharing for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
Who It Names or Affects
- People who own or operate vessels in California waters subject to registration fees.
- Agencies, districts, or authorities that manage reservoirs where recreational boating or fishing is permitted.
- Public or private agencies that operate water supply systems and must cooperate with the Department of Fish and Wildlife on mussel control.
- Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers eligible for assistance under the new equipment sharing program.
Terms To Know
- Invasive mussels
- Any nonnative detrimental mussel species, replacing the previous focus on only dreissenid mussels.
- Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers
- Farm operators defined under existing law who are included in food and agriculture programs to ensure equity.
Limits and Unknowns
- The new farmer equipment sharing program only operates if the Legislature approves funding for it.
- The provisions creating the farmer assistance program end on January 1, 2030.
- The specific dollar amounts of the increased boat fees are determined by specified rules not detailed in this summary.