KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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SB-765 • 2026

State snake.

State snake.

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Niello
Last action
2025-10-09
Official status
Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 482, Statutes of 2025.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not provide information on how the new status will be used or celebrated, nor does it specify if there are changes to wildlife protection laws.

State Snake

The bill makes the giant garter snake the official state snake of California.

What This Bill Does

  • Makes the giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas) the official state snake of California.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People in California who are interested in state symbols and wildlife.

Terms To Know

State emblem
A symbol or image that represents a state, like a flower or animal.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify how the new status for the giant garter snake will be used or celebrated.
  • It is unclear if this change will affect any existing laws about wildlife protection in California.

Bill History

  1. 2025-10-09 California Legislative Information

    Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 482, Statutes of 2025.

  2. 2025-10-09 California Legislative Information

    Approved by the Governor.

  3. 2025-09-09 California Legislative Information

    Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 2 p.m.

  4. 2025-09-02 California Legislative Information

    Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 2406.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.

  5. 2025-07-08 California Legislative Information

    In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.

  6. 2025-07-07 California Legislative Information

    Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 75. Noes 0. Page 2453.) Ordered to the Senate.

  7. 2025-07-02 California Legislative Information

    Read second time. Ordered to consent calendar.

  8. 2025-07-01 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (July 1).

  9. 2025-06-23 California Legislative Information

    From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on W. P., & W.

  10. 2025-06-05 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on W. P., & W.

  11. 2025-05-28 California Legislative Information

    In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.

  12. 2025-05-27 California Legislative Information

    Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 39. Noes 0. Page 1237.) Ordered to the Assembly.

  13. 2025-04-09 California Legislative Information

    Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

  14. 2025-04-08 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 0. Page 704.) (April 8).

  15. 2025-03-28 California Legislative Information

    Set for hearing April 8.

  16. 2025-03-12 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on G.O.

  17. 2025-02-24 California Legislative Information

    Read first time.

  18. 2025-02-24 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 24.

  19. 2025-02-21 California Legislative Information

    Introduced. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 765, Niello.
State snake.
Existing law establishes the state flag and the state’s emblems, including, among other things, the poppy as the official state flower, the California redwood as the official state tree, and the California desert tortoise as the official state reptile.
This bill would establish the giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas) as the official state snake.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF