Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act: removal: trimming.
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Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Passed
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
Assembly Bill 1663, the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, restricts the import, export, possession, purchase, and sale of western Joshua trees and their parts within California, with exceptions for tribal cultural purposes and specific removal/trimming scenarios. It authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to permit the removal or trimming of dead Joshua trees or trimming of live trees, potentially without fees, under certain conditions, including mitigation measures or fee payments. The bill also allows for permits to remove or trim Joshua trees on properties with homeowners’ tax exemptions if the removal is necessary for infrastructure or utility maintenance.
Key provisions
- Prohibits importing, exporting, or selling western Joshua trees and their parts within California, except under specific circumstances.
- Authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to permit removal or trimming of dead Joshua trees without fees, subject to specific conditions.
- Allows for permits to trim live Joshua trees without fees if the tree is leaning against a structure.
- Authorizes permits for removal or trimming of Joshua trees on properties with homeowners’ tax exemptions for infrastructure/utility maintenance.
- Requires applicants for permits to demonstrate the tree meets specific criteria.
- Authorizes memoranda of understanding with Native American tribes for the taking and possession of Joshua trees for cultural purposes.
- Allows the department to enter into agreements with counties or cities to delegate permit authority.
- Establishes a process for annual assessments of Joshua tree populations by local governments.
Bill text
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