Bill Text: CA AB2827 | 2023-2024 | Regular Session | Introduced

California Assembly Bill 2827

Introduced

Bill Title: Invasive species: prevention.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-2)

Status: (Introduced) 2024-04-24 - From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (April 23). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. [AB2827 Detail]

Download: California-2023-AB2827-Introduced.html

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2023–2024 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill

No. 2827

Introduced by Assembly Member Reyes

February 15, 2024

An act to add Article 11 (commencing with Section 595) to Chapter 3 of Part 1 of Division 1 of the Food and Agricultural Code, relating to food and agriculture.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 2827, as introduced, Reyes. Invasive species: prevention.

Existing law requires the Department of Food and Agriculture, headed by the Secretary of Food and Agriculture, to promote and protect the agricultural industry of the state. Existing law authorizes the department to expend in accordance with law all money that is made available for its use.

This bill would find and declare that it is a primary goal of the state to prevent the introduction, and suppress the spread, of invasive species within its borders. The bill would require, in carrying out this goal, state agencies, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to, among other things, develop and implement strategies to detect, control, monitor, and eradicate invasive species to protect the state’s agriculture, environment, and natural resources. The bill would require the department, in consultation with other relevant state agencies, to allocate funds, if available, to implement and enforce these provisions.

Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

Article 11 (commencing with Section 595) is added to Chapter 3 of Part 1 of Division 1 of the Food and Agricultural Code, to read:

Article 11. Invasive Species Prevention

595.

The Legislature finds and declares all the following:

(a) Invasive species have the potential to cause extensive damage to California’s natural and working landscapes, native species, agriculture, the public, and economy.

(b) Invasive species can threaten native flora and fauna, disrupt ecosystems, damage critical infrastructure, and result in further loss of biodiversity.

(c) The impacts of increased goods movement, international travel, and climate change on invasive species are pervasive—shifting temperature patterns, altered precipitation, expanded vectors and host materials, and changes in ecosystems create new habitats and conditions that may enhance the survival, reproduction, and spread of these invasive species, posing additional threats to the state.

(d) It is in the best interest of the state to adopt a proactive and coordinated approach to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.

595.5.

(a) The Legislature finds and declares that it is a primary goal of the state to prevent the introduction, and suppress the spread, of invasive species within its borders.

(b) In carrying out the goal described in this section, state agencies, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, shall develop and implement strategies to detect, control, monitor, and eradicate invasive species to protect the state’s agriculture, environment, and natural resources.

(c) The state shall invest in research, outreach, and education programs to raise awareness about the risks and impacts of invasive species and promote responsible practices among residents, industries, and visitors.

(d) The department, in consultation with other relevant state agencies, shall allocate funds, if available, to implement and enforce this article.

(e) State agencies shall coordinate efforts, share information, and collaborate with federal, local, and tribal authorities to achieve the goal described in this section.