AB 966: Division of Boating and Waterways: report to the Legislature: shoreline erosion control and public beach programs.

Existing law establishes the Division of Boating and Waterways within the Department of Parks and Recreation to, among other things, study and monitor beach erosion and means for the stabilization of beaches and shoreline areas.

Existing law generally authorizes the division to cooperate with all relevant agencies of government for purposes of beach erosion control and stabilization of beaches and shoreline areas. Existing law, subject to funding availability, including the divisions management of any federal funds, requires the division to prepare plans for and construct erosion control or stabilization projects as its studies and investigations indicate to be necessary for beach erosion control or stabilization of beaches and shoreline areas, and specifically authorizes several projects.

This bill would require the division to, no later than January 1, 2025, and in cooperation with the State Coastal Conservancy, prepare and submit a joint report to the Legislature on shoreline erosion control and public beach restoration programs, as specified. The bill would require the report, among other things, to detail and discuss existing programs, evaluate the need for continued projects and program application requirements, and identify the beaches of the state that contain a critically eroded shoreline, as this bill would require the division to define the term.

This bill would repeal its provisions on January 1, 2026.