(1)Existing law establishes a registration fee and a renewal fee for vessels, and imposes an additional fee, known as the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee, on a vessel required to pay the registration fee or renewal fee, as provided. Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a vessel an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker to the vessel owner upon payment of the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee. Existing law authorizes a vessel operator to be issued a citation for operating a vessel or a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker.

This bill would exempt from that provision relating to citations a person who operates a vessel or recreational vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake if the vessel is registered in the State of Nevada, the State of Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species, and the vessel displays a current aquatic invasive species decal issued by the State of Nevada.

(2)The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires the Department of Water Resources to categorize each groundwater basin as high-, medium-, low-, or very low priority, as specified. Existing law requires all groundwater basins designated as high- or medium-priority basins by the department to be managed under a groundwater sustainability plan or coordinated groundwater sustainability plans. The act requires that, any time the department updates certain water basin boundaries pursuant to a specified provision, the department reassess the prioritization of basins, as prescribed.

This bill would instead require the department, any time the department updates those boundaries, to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which boundary changes have been made, and would require the department on or before January 1, 2035, and not less than every 10 years thereafter, to review, and determine, whether a reprioritization of all groundwater basins is warranted.

(3)This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes.

(4)This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake.

(1)Existing law establishes a registration fee and a renewal fee for vessels, and imposes an additional fee, known as the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee, on a vessel required to pay the registration fee or renewal fee, as provided. Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a vessel an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker to the vessel owner upon payment of the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee. Existing law authorizes a vessel operator to be issued a citation for operating a vessel or a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker.

This bill would exempt from that provision relating to citations a person who operates a vessel or recreational vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake if the vessel is registered in the State of Nevada, the State of Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species, and the vessel displays a current aquatic invasive species decal issued by the State of Nevada.

(2)The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires the Department of Water Resources to categorize each groundwater basin as high-, medium-, low-, or very low priority, as specified. Existing law requires all groundwater basins designated as high- or medium-priority basins by the department to be managed under a groundwater sustainability plan or coordinated groundwater sustainability plans. The act requires that, any time the department updates certain water basin boundaries pursuant to a specified provision, the department reassess the prioritization of basins, as prescribed.

This bill would instead require the department, any time the department updates those boundaries, to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which boundary changes have been made, and would require the department on or before January 1, 2035, and not less than every 10 years thereafter, to review, and determine, whether a reprioritization of all groundwater basins is warranted.

(3)This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes.

(4)This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake.

(1)Existing law establishes a registration fee and a renewal fee for vessels, and imposes an additional fee, known as the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee, on a vessel required to pay the registration fee or renewal fee, as provided. Existing law requires the department Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a vessel an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker to the vessel owner upon payment of the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee. Existing law authorizes a vessel operator to be issued a citation for operating a vessel or a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker.

This bill would exempt from that provision relating to citations a person who operates a vessel or recreational vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake, as determined by the department, and Lake if the vessel is registered in the State of Nevada, the State of Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species, and the vessel displays a current aquatic invasive species decal issued by the State of Nevada.

(2)The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires the Department of Water Resources to prioritize categorize each groundwater basins, basin as high-, medium-, low-, or very low priority, as specified. Existing law requires all groundwater basins designated as high- or medium-priority basins by the department to be managed under a groundwater sustainability plan or coordinated groundwater sustainability plans, except as specified. plans. The act requires that, any time the department updates certain water basin boundaries pursuant to a specified provision, the department reassess the prioritization of basins, as prescribed.

This bill would instead require, require the department, any time the department updates those boundaries, to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which boundary changes have been made, and would require the department on or before January 1, 2035, and not less than every 10 years thereafter, to review, and determine, whether a reprioritization of all groundwater basins is warranted.

(3)This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes.

(4)This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake.

(1)Existing law establishes a registration fee and a renewal fee for vessels, and imposes an additional fee, known as the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee, on a vessel required to pay the registration fee or renewal fee, as provided. Existing law requires the department to issue a vessel an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker to the vessel owner upon payment of the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee. Existing law authorizes a vessel operator to be issued a citation for operating a vessel or a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker.

This bill would exempt from that provision relating to citations a person who operates a vessel or recreational vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake, as determined by the department, and the vessel is registered in the State of Nevada and Nevada, the State of Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species. species, and the vessel displays a current aquatic invasive species decal issued by the State of Nevada.

(2)The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires the Department of Water Resources to prioritize groundwater basins, as specified. Existing law requires all groundwater basins designated as high- or medium-priority basins by the department to be managed under a groundwater sustainability plan or coordinated groundwater sustainability plans, except as specified. The act requires that, any time the department updates certain water basin boundaries pursuant to a specified provision, the department reassess the prioritization of basins, as prescribed.

This bill would instead require, any time the department updates those boundaries, to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which boundary changes have been made, and would require the department on or before January 1, 2035, and not less than every 10 years thereafter, to review, and determine, whether a reprioritization of all groundwater basins is warranted.

(3)This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes.

(4)This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake.

(1)Existing law establishes a registration fee and a renewal fee for vessels, and imposes an additional fee, known as the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee, on a vessel required to pay the registration fee or renewal fee, as provided. Existing law requires the department to issue a vessel an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker to the vessel owner upon payment of the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee. Existing law authorizes a vessel operator to be issued a citation for operating a vessel or a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker.

This bill would exempt from that provision relating to citations a person who operates a vessel or recreational vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake, as determined by the department, and the vessel is registered in the State of Nevada and the State of Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species.

(2)The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires the Department of Water Resources to prioritize groundwater basins, as specified. Existing law requires all groundwater basins designated as high- or medium-priority basins by the department to be managed under a groundwater sustainability plan or coordinated groundwater sustainability plans, except as specified. The act requires that, any time the department updates certain water basin boundaries pursuant to a specified provision, the department reassess the prioritization of basins, as prescribed.

This bill would instead require, any time the department updates those boundaries, to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which boundary changes have been made, and would require the department on or before January 1, 2035, and not less than every 10 years thereafter, to review, and determine, whether a reprioritization of all groundwater basins is warranted.

(3)This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes.

(4)This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake.

(1)Existing law establishes a registration fee and a renewal fee for vessels, and imposes an additional fee, known as the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee, on a vessel required to pay the registration fee or renewal fee, as provided. Existing law requires the department to issue a vessel an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker to the vessel owner upon payment of the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee. Existing law authorizes a vessel operator to be issued a citation for operating a vessel or a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker.

This bill would exempt from that provision relating to citations a person who operates a vessel or recreational vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake, as determined by the department, and the vessel is registered in the State of Nevada and the State of Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species.

(2)The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires the Department of Water Resources to prioritize groundwater basins, as specified. Existing law requires all groundwater basins designated as high- or medium-priority basins by the department to be managed under a groundwater sustainability plan or coordinated groundwater sustainability plans, except as specified. The act requires that, any time the department updates certain water basin boundaries pursuant to a specified provision, the department reassess the prioritization of basins, as prescribed.

This bill would instead require, any time the department updates those boundaries, to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which boundary changes have been made, and would require the department on or before January 1, 2035, and not less than every 10 years thereafter, to review, and determine, whether a reprioritization of all groundwater basins is warranted.

(3)This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes.

(4)This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake.

(1)Existing law authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to enter into contracts or other agreements with nonprofit conservation groups or resource conservation districts for the management and operation of department-managed lands, defined to include public shooting grounds, state marine recreational management areas, ecological reserves, and wildlife management areas. Existing law also requires the department to establish the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program to encourage landowners to cultivate or retain certain plants to provide waterfowl and other game bird nesting habitat cover and authorizes the department to enter into grants or contracts with landowners and other specified entities to implement the program, as specified.

Existing law authorizes the department, except for specified types of contracts, to enter into contracts with, or grant funds to, public and private entities for fish and wildlife habitat preservation, restoration, and enhancement whenever the department finds that the contract will assist in meeting the departments duty to preserve, protect, and restore fish and wildlife. Existing law, for purposes of this authorization, provides for certain public contract rules and establishes exemptions from certain labor requirements.

This bill would, except as specified, apply those last described provisions to contracts and other agreements for the management and operation of department-managed lands and contracts and grants under the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program, as provided.

(2)Existing law establishes a registration fee and a renewal fee for vessels, and imposes an additional fee, known as the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee, on a vessel required to pay the registration fee or renewal fee, as provided. Existing law requires the department to issue a vessel an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker to the vessel owner upon payment of the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee. Existing law authorizes a vessel operator to be issued a citation for operating a vessel or a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker.

This bill would exempt from that provision relating to citations a person who operates a vessel or recreational vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake, as determined by the department, and the vessel is registered in the State of Nevada and the State of Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species.

(3)The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires the Department of Water Resources to prioritize groundwater basins, as specified. Existing law requires all groundwater basins designated as high- or medium-priority basins by the department to be managed under a groundwater sustainability plan or coordinated groundwater sustainability plans, except as specified. The act requires that, any time the department updates certain water basin boundaries pursuant to a specified provision, the department reassess the prioritization of basins, as prescribed.

This bill would instead require, any time the department updates those boundaries, to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which boundary changes have been made, and would require the department on or before January 1, 2035, and not less than every 10 years thereafter, to review, and determine, whether a reprioritization of all groundwater basins is warranted.

(4)This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes.

(5)This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake.

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:AB 2787

Author:(Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife)

As Amended Ver:August 18, 2026

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Clarifies requirements for the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to review and re-prioritize groundwater basins when their boundaries change and provides for reciprocity for recreational boaters on the two lakes that cross the California-Nevada border for certain state requirements for invasive mussel infestation prevention.

Senate Amendments

1. Delete changes to contracting rules for certain lands managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program.
2. Clarify that Nevada-registered vessels must display a current Nevada-issued aquatic invasive species sticker to be exempt from the requirement to display a California invasive mussel sticker.

COMMENTS

Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, DWR draws the boundaries of groundwater basins and sets a priority for each basin. Every ten years, DWR is required to report its findings regarding groundwater basin boundaries, which it does in a publication known as Bulletin 118. Current law also requires DWR to reprioritize groundwater basins whenever it adjusts groundwater basin boundaries. The existing law could be interpreted to require DWR to reprioritize all 515 groundwater basins every time any basin boundary is redrawn, while not explicitly requiring regular statewide reprioritization. This bill specifies that DWR is required to review and determine if a reprioritization is necessary for all groundwater basins every ten years and in the interim is only required to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which changes to the boundaries have been made.

Recreational boaters in California's nonmarine waters, regardless of state of vessel registration, are required to pay an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee and display a sticker. California shares two interstate lakes with Nevada, Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, where recreational boaters can easily cross the state border on the shared water body. While Nevada extends reciprocity to California boaters (so that California boaters do not need to purchase a Nevada aquatic invasive species decal), the same reciprocity is not currently extended to Nevada boaters in California. This bill provides that Nevada boaters may operate in California waters on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake without citation, as long as Nevada has an aquatic invasive species program and the vessel displays a current Nevada-issued aquatic invasive species decal.

According to the Author

According to the author, "[This bill] is the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee's omnibus bill, which makes a number of helpful statutory updates. [This bill] largely consists of technical revisions that clarify existing code and create efficiencies for DWR, which are within the Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee's jurisdiction. Additionally, [this bill] simplifies the rules for recreation on our interstate lakes by extending reciprocity to Nevada invasive species stickers on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, as Nevada has done for Californians. All elements of [this bill] are believed to be non-controversial in nature."

Arguments in Support

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, writing in support, states, "In 2011, the Nevada Legislature created annual aquatic invasive species fees and decals for motorized and non-motorized watercraft . . . to help fund prevention and management efforts. Nevada's program exempts California-registered boats with a valid California [invasive mussel] sticker when on the waters of Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake. The language included in [this bill] matches Nevada's existing language, supporting interstate [aquatic invasive species] management and boating access on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, this bill has the following fiscal impact:

CDFW, DWR, and the Department of Parks and Recreation (which houses the Division of Boating and Waterways for purposes of invasive mussel infestation issues) anticipate any costs to be minor and absorbable.

VOTES:

ASM WATER, PARKS, AND WILDLIFE: 13-0-0

YES: Papan, Jeff Gonzalez, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bennett, Boerner, Caloza, Gallagher, Hart, Muratsuchi, Rogers

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 14-0-1

YES: Wicks, Hoover, Arambula, Calderon, Caloza, Dixon, Fong, Mark González, Krell, Pacheco, Pellerin, Solache, Ta, Tangipa

ABS, ABST OR NV: Muratsuchi

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 66-0-14

YES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Fong, Gabriel, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Ward, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

ABS, ABST OR NV: Arambula, Bonta, Chen, Flora, Gallagher, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Papan, Petrie-Norris, Celeste Rodriguez, Valencia, Wallis, Wicks

SENATE FLOOR: 40-0-0

YES: Allen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Arreguín, Ashby, Becker, Blakespear, Cabaldon, Caballero, Cervantes, Choi, Cortese, Dahle, Durazo, Gonzalez, Grayson, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, McNerney, Menjivar, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Pérez, Reyes, Richardson, Rubio, Seyarto, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Strickland, Umberg, Valladares, Wahab, Weber Pierson, Wiener

UPDATED

VERSION: August 18, 2026

CONSULTANT: Sean Clair / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096 FN: 0004075

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:AB 2787

Author:(Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife)

As Amended Ver:August 18, 2026

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Clarifies requirements for the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to review and re-prioritize groundwater basins when their boundaries change and provides for reciprocity for recreational boaters on the two lakes that cross the California-Nevada border for certain state requirements for invasive mussel infestation prevention.

Senate Amendments

1. Delete changes to contracting rules for certain lands managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program.
2. Clarify that Nevada-registered vessels must display a current Nevada-issued aquatic invasive species sticker to be exempt from the requirement to display a California invasive mussel sticker.

COMMENTS

Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, DWR draws the boundaries of groundwater basins and sets a priority for each basin. Every ten years, DWR is required to report its findings regarding groundwater basin boundaries, which it does in a publication known as Bulletin 118. Current law also requires DWR to reprioritize groundwater basins whenever it adjusts groundwater basin boundaries. The existing law could be interpreted to require DWR to reprioritize all 515 groundwater basins every time any basin boundary is redrawn, while not explicitly requiring regular statewide reprioritization. This bill specifies that DWR is required to review and determine if a reprioritization is necessary for all groundwater basins every ten years and in the interim is only required to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which changes to the boundaries have been made.

Recreational boaters in California's nonmarine waters, regardless of state of vessel registration, are required to pay an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee and display a sticker. California shares two interstate lakes with Nevada, Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, where recreational boaters can easily cross the state border on the shared water body. While Nevada extends reciprocity to California boaters (so that California boaters do not need to purchase a Nevada aquatic invasive species decal), the same reciprocity is not currently extended to Nevada boaters in California. This bill provides that Nevada boaters may operate in California waters on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake without citation, as long as Nevada has an aquatic invasive species program and the vessel displays a current Nevada-issued aquatic invasive species decal.

According to the Author

According to the author, "[This bill] is the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee's omnibus bill, which makes a number of helpful statutory updates. [This bill] largely consists of technical revisions that clarify existing code and create efficiencies for DWR, which are within the Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee's jurisdiction. Additionally, [this bill] simplifies the rules for recreation on our interstate lakes by extending reciprocity to Nevada invasive species stickers on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, as Nevada has done for Californians. All elements of [this bill] are believed to be non-controversial in nature."

Arguments in Support

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, writing in support, states, "In 2011, the Nevada Legislature created annual aquatic invasive species fees and decals for motorized and non-motorized watercraft . . . to help fund prevention and management efforts. Nevada's program exempts California-registered boats with a valid California [invasive mussel] sticker when on the waters of Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake. The language included in [this bill] matches Nevada's existing language, supporting interstate [aquatic invasive species] management and boating access on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, this bill has the following fiscal impact:

CDFW, DWR, and the Department of Parks and Recreation (which houses the Division of Boating and Waterways for purposes of invasive mussel infestation issues) anticipate any costs to be minor and absorbable.

VOTES:

ASM WATER, PARKS, AND WILDLIFE: 13-0-0

YES: Papan, Jeff Gonzalez, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bennett, Boerner, Caloza, Gallagher, Hart, Muratsuchi, Rogers

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 14-0-1

YES: Wicks, Hoover, Arambula, Calderon, Caloza, Dixon, Fong, Mark González, Krell, Pacheco, Pellerin, Solache, Ta, Tangipa

ABS, ABST OR NV: Muratsuchi

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 66-0-14

YES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Fong, Gabriel, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Ward, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

ABS, ABST OR NV: Arambula, Bonta, Chen, Flora, Gallagher, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Papan, Petrie-Norris, Celeste Rodriguez, Valencia, Wallis, Wicks

UPDATED

VERSION: August 18, 2026

CONSULTANT: Sean Clair / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096 FN: 0004075

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 2787

Author: Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Amended: 8/18/26 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 7-0, 7/1/26

AYES: Becker, Seyarto, Allen, Cabaldon, Grove, Laird, Stern

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 66-0, 5/7/26 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Water, parks, and wildlife: omnibus bill

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill clarifies requirements for the California Department of Water Resources to review and re-prioritize groundwater basins when their boundaries change, and exempts, for either of the lakes located on the California-Nevada border, recreational boaters meeting certain Nevada requirements for aquatic invasive species prevention from citations for violating California requirements for invasive mussel infestation prevention.

Senate Floor Amendments of 8/18/26 make technical changes to the language prohibiting the citation of vessels complying with Nevada aquatic invasive species prevention requirements in the two lakes located in both California and Nevada.

Senate Floor Amendments of 8/11/26 clarify that Nevada aquatic invasive species prevention requirements for vessels include the display of a current Nevada-issued aquatic invasive species decal, as provided.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee set by the Division of Boating and Waterways in the Department of Parks and Recreation.
   1. Provides that the fee shall be deposited into the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund and shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for administration of the fee and for implementation of invasive mussel infestation prevention plans.
   2. Limits the fee to not more than $10 in even-numbered years and not more than $20 in odd-numbered years before 2026.
   3. Limits the fee to between $15 and $21 in even-numbered years and between $30 and $42 in odd-numbered years beginning in 2026, with adjustments for inflation in odd-numbered years.
   4. Requires the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker upon payment of the fee.
   5. Provides that failure to pay the fee shall not prohibit DMV from issuing registration of a vessel.
   6. Provides that a vessel operator may be issued a citation for operating a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker. (Harbors and Navigation Code §§675–676)
2. Requires that, in addition to the fee for the original registration or registration renewal of a vessel, DMV shall collect from resident and nonresident vessel owners an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee.
   1. Requires DMV to issue an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker upon payment of the fee.
   2. Provides that failure to pay the fee shall not prohibit DMV from issuing registration of a vessel.
   3. Provides that a vessel operator may be issued a citation for operating a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker. (Vehicle Code §§9853, 9860)
3. Requires the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to conduct an investigation of the state’s groundwater basins and to identify the groundwater basins on the basis of geological and hydrological conditions and consideration of political boundary lines whenever practical.
   1. Authorizes DWR to revise the boundaries of groundwater basins based on its own investigations or information provided by others; and
   2. Requires DWR to report its findings to the Governor and the Legislature in years ending in five. (Water Code §12924)
4. Requires DWR to prioritize groundwater basins and subbasins according to specified criteria. (Water Code §10933)
5. Requires DWR to categorize each groundwater basin as high, medium, low, or very low priority and requires that any time DWR updates groundwater basin boundaries, DWR shall reassess the prioritization. (Water Code §10722.4)

This bill:

1. Requires DWR every time it updates Bulletin 118 boundaries to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which changes to the boundaries have been made. Requires DWR to review and determine whether a reprioritization of groundwater basins where changes to the boundaries have been made on or by January 31, 2035 and not less than every 10 years thereafter.
2. Prohibits citing a person who operates a vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake who has not paid an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee to California if the vessel is registered in Nevada, Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species, and the vessel displays a current Nevada-issued aquatic invasive species decal as provided.
3. Deletes obsolete invasive mussel infestation prevention fee language. Makes minor and conforming changes.
4. Declares that a special statute is necessary due to the interstate location of Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, as specified.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/18/26)

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/18/26)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author, “AB 2787 is the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee’s omnibus bill, which makes a number of helpful statutory updates. […] Additionally, AB 2787 simplifies the rules for recreation on our interstate lakes by extending reciprocity to Nevada invasive species stickers on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, as Nevada has done for Californians.”

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 66-0, 5/7/26

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Fong, Gabriel, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Ward, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Arambula, Bonta, Chen, Flora, Gallagher, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Papan, Petrie-Norris, Celeste Rodriguez, Valencia, Wallis, Wicks

Prepared by: Katharine Moore / N.R. & W. / (916) 651-4116

8/19/26 9:33:39

**** END ****

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 2787

Author: Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Amended: 7/6/26 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 7-0, 7/1/26

AYES: Becker, Seyarto, Allen, Cabaldon, Grove, Laird, Stern

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 66-0, 5/7/26 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Water, parks, and wildlife: omnibus bill

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill clarifies requirements for the California Department of Water Resources to review and re-prioritize groundwater basins when their boundaries change, and exempts, for either of the lakes located on the California-Nevada border, recreational boaters meeting certain Nevada requirements for aquatic invasive species prevention from citations for violating California requirements for invasive mussel infestation prevention.

Senate floor amendments of 8/11/26 clarify that Nevada aquatic invasive species prevention requirements for vessels include the display of a current Nevada-issued aquatic invasive species decal, as provided.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee set by the Division of Boating and Waterways in the Department of Parks and Recreation.
   1. Provides that the fee shall be deposited into the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund and shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for administration of the fee and for implementation of invasive mussel infestation prevention plans.
   2. Limits the fee to not more than $10 in even-numbered years and not more than $20 in odd-numbered years before 2026.
   3. Limits the fee to between $15 and $21 in even-numbered years and between $30 and $42 in odd-numbered years beginning in 2026, with adjustments for inflation in odd-numbered years.
   4. Requires the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker upon payment of the fee.
   5. Provides that failure to pay the fee shall not prohibit DMV from issuing registration of a vessel.
   6. Provides that a vessel operator may be issued a citation for operating a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker. (Harbors and Navigation Code §§675–676)
2. Requires that, in addition to the fee for the original registration or registration renewal of a vessel, DMV shall collect from resident and nonresident vessel owners an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee.
   1. Requires DMV to issue an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker upon payment of the fee.
   2. Provides that failure to pay the fee shall not prohibit DMV from issuing registration of a vessel.
   3. Provides that a vessel operator may be issued a citation for operating a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker. (Vehicle Code §§9853, 9860)
3. Requires the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to conduct an investigation of the state’s groundwater basins and to identify the groundwater basins on the basis of geological and hydrological conditions and consideration of political boundary lines whenever practical.
   1. Authorizes DWR to revise the boundaries of groundwater basins based on its own investigations or information provided by others; and
   2. Requires DWR to report its findings to the Governor and the Legislature in years ending in five. (Water Code §12924)
4. Requires DWR to prioritize groundwater basins and subbasins according to specified criteria. (Water Code §10933)
5. Requires DWR to categorize each groundwater basin as high, medium, low, or very low priority and requires that any time DWR updates groundwater basin boundaries, DWR shall reassess the prioritization. (Water Code §10722.4)

This bill:

1. Requires DWR every time it updates Bulletin 118 boundaries to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which changes to the boundaries have been made. Requires DWR to review and determine whether a reprioritization of groundwater basins where changes to the boundaries have been made on or by January 31, 2035 and not less than every 10 years thereafter.
2. Prohibits citing a person who operates a vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake who has not paid an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee to California if the vessel is registered in Nevada, Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species, and the vessel displays a current Nevada-issued aquatic invasive species decal as provided.
3. Deletes obsolete invasive mussel infestation prevention fee language. Makes minor and conforming changes.
4. Declares that a special statute is necessary due to the interstate location of Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, as specified.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/4/26)

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/4/26)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author, “AB 2787 is the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee’s omnibus bill, which makes a number of helpful statutory updates. […] Additionally, AB 2787 simplifies the rules for recreation on our interstate lakes by extending reciprocity to Nevada invasive species stickers on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, as Nevada has done for Californians.”

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 66-0, 5/7/26

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Fong, Gabriel, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Ward, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Arambula, Bonta, Chen, Flora, Gallagher, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Papan, Petrie-Norris, Celeste Rodriguez, Valencia, Wallis, Wicks

Prepared by: Katharine Moore / N.R. & W. / (916) 651-4116

8/12/26 16:19:05

**** END ****

 THIRD READING 

Bill No: AB 2787

Author: Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Amended: 7/6/26 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 7-0, 7/1/26

AYES: Becker, Seyarto, Allen, Cabaldon, Grove, Laird, Stern

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 66-0, 5/7/26 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Water, parks, and wildlife: omnibus bill

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill clarifies requirements for the California Department of Water Resources to review and re-prioritize groundwater basins when their boundaries change and provides for reciprocity for recreational boaters on the two lakes that cross the California-Nevada border for certain state requirements for invasive mussel infestation prevention.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee set by the Division of Boating and Waterways in the Department of Parks and Recreation.
   1. Provides that the fee shall be deposited into the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund and shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for administration of the fee and for implementation of invasive mussel infestation prevention plans.
   2. Limits the fee to not more than $10 in even-numbered years and not more than $20 in odd-numbered years before 2026.
   3. Limits the fee to between $15 and $21 in even-numbered years and between $30 and $42 in odd-numbered years beginning in 2026, with adjustments for inflation in odd-numbered years.
   4. Requires the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker upon payment of the fee.
   5. Provides that failure to pay the fee shall not prohibit DMV from issuing registration of a vessel.
   6. Provides that a vessel operator may be issued a citation for operating a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker. (Harbors and Navigation Code §§675–676)
2. Requires that, in addition to the fee for the original registration or registration renewal of a vessel, DMV shall collect from resident and nonresident vessel owners an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee.
   1. Requires DMV to issue an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker upon payment of the fee.
   2. Provides that failure to pay the fee shall not prohibit DMV from issuing registration of a vessel.
   3. Provides that a vessel operator may be issued a citation for operating a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker. (Vehicle Code §§9853, 9860)
3. Requires the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to conduct an investigation of the state’s groundwater basins and to identify the groundwater basins on the basis of geological and hydrological conditions and consideration of political boundary lines whenever practical.
   1. Authorizes DWR to revise the boundaries of groundwater basins based on its own investigations or information provided by others; and
   2. Requires DWR to report its findings to the Governor and the Legislature in years ending in five. (Water Code §12924)
4. Requires DWR to prioritize groundwater basins and subbasins according to specified criteria. (Water Code §10933)
5. Requires DWR to categorize each groundwater basin as high, medium, low, or very low priority and requires that any time DWR updates groundwater basin boundaries, DWR shall reassess the prioritization. (Water Code §10722.4)

This bill:

1. Requires DWR every time it updates Bulletin 118 boundaries to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which changes to the boundaries have been made. Requires DWR to review and determine whether a reprioritization of groundwater basins where changes to the boundaries have been made on or by January 31, 2035 and not less than every 10 years thereafter.
2. Prohibits citing a person who operates a vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake who has not paid an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee to California if the vessel is registered in Nevada and Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species, as provided.
3. Deletes obsolete invasive mussel infestation prevention fee language. Makes minor and conforming changes.
4. Declares that a special statute is necessary due to the interstate location of Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, as specified.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/4/26)

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/4/26)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author, “AB 2787 is the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee’s omnibus bill, which makes a number of helpful statutory updates. […] Additionally, AB 2787 simplifies the rules for recreation on our interstate lakes by extending reciprocity to Nevada invasive species stickers on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, as Nevada has done for Californians.” 

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 66-0, 5/7/26

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Fong, Gabriel, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Ward, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Arambula, Bonta, Chen, Flora, Gallagher, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Papan, Petrie-Norris, Celeste Rodriguez, Valencia, Wallis, Wicks

Prepared by: Katharine Moore / N.R. & W. / (916) 651-4116

8/6/26 11:41:58

**** END ****

 CONSENT  

Bill No: AB 2787

Author: Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Amended: 7/6/26 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 7-0, 7/1/26

AYES: Becker, Seyarto, Allen, Cabaldon, Grove, Laird, Stern

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 66-0, 5/7/26 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Water, parks, and wildlife: omnibus bill

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill clarifies requirements for the California Department of Water Resources to review and re-prioritize groundwater basins when their boundaries change and provides for reciprocity for recreational boaters on the two lakes that cross the California-Nevada border for certain state requirements for invasive mussel infestation prevention.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee set by the Division of Boating and Waterways in the Department of Parks and Recreation.
   1. Provides that the fee shall be deposited into the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund and shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for administration of the fee and for implementation of invasive mussel infestation prevention plans.
   2. Limits the fee to not more than $10 in even-numbered years and not more than $20 in odd-numbered years before 2026.
   3. Limits the fee to between $15 and $21 in even-numbered years and between $30 and $42 in odd-numbered years beginning in 2026, with adjustments for inflation in odd-numbered years.
   4. Requires the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker upon payment of the fee.
   5. Provides that failure to pay the fee shall not prohibit DMV from issuing registration of a vessel.
   6. Provides that a vessel operator may be issued a citation for operating a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker. (Harbors and Navigation Code §§675–676)
2. Requires that, in addition to the fee for the original registration or registration renewal of a vessel, DMV shall collect from resident and nonresident vessel owners an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee.
   1. Requires DMV to issue an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker upon payment of the fee.
   2. Provides that failure to pay the fee shall not prohibit DMV from issuing registration of a vessel.
   3. Provides that a vessel operator may be issued a citation for operating a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker. (Vehicle Code §§9853, 9860)
3. Requires the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to conduct an investigation of the state’s groundwater basins and to identify the groundwater basins on the basis of geological and hydrological conditions and consideration of political boundary lines whenever practical.
   1. Authorizes DWR to revise the boundaries of groundwater basins based on its own investigations or information provided by others; and
   2. Requires DWR to report its findings to the Governor and the Legislature in years ending in five. (Water Code §12924)
4. Requires DWR to prioritize groundwater basins and subbasins according to specified criteria. (Water Code §10933)
5. Requires DWR to categorize each groundwater basin as high, medium, low, or very low priority and requires that any time DWR updates groundwater basin boundaries, DWR shall reassess the prioritization. (Water Code §10722.4)

This bill:

1. Requires DWR every time it updates Bulletin 118 boundaries to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which changes to the boundaries have been made. Requires DWR to review and determine whether a reprioritization of groundwater basins where changes to the boundaries have been made on or by January 31, 2035 and not less than every 10 years thereafter.
2. Prohibits citing a person who operates a vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake who has not paid an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee to California if the vessel is registered in Nevada and Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species, as provided.
3. Deletes obsolete invasive mussel infestation prevention fee language. Makes minor and conforming changes.
4. Declares that a special statute is necessary due to the interstate location of Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, as specified.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/4/26)

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/4/26)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author, “AB 2787 is the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee’s omnibus bill, which makes a number of helpful statutory updates. […] Additionally, AB 2787 simplifies the rules for recreation on our interstate lakes by extending reciprocity to Nevada invasive species stickers on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, as Nevada has done for Californians.” 

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 66-0, 5/7/26

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Fong, Gabriel, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Ward, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Arambula, Bonta, Chen, Flora, Gallagher, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Papan, Petrie-Norris, Celeste Rodriguez, Valencia, Wallis, Wicks

Prepared by: Katharine Moore / N.R. & W. / (916) 651-4116

8/5/26 15:13:00

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER

Senator Josh Becker, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular

Bill No: AB Hearing Date: July 1, 2026

Subject: Water, parks, and wildlife: omnibus bill

SUMMARY

This bill would clarify requirements for the California Department of Water Resources to review and re-prioritize groundwater basins when their boundaries change and provide for reciprocity for recreational boaters on the two lakes that cross the California-Nevada border for certain state requirements for invasive mussel infestation prevention.

BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW

Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee omnibus bill

From time-to-time, standing committees author generally technical, clarifying, and minor bills within the Committee’s jurisdiction. Committee omnibus bills are non-controversial and consensus legislation.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)

CDFW manages approximately 1.1 million acres within the state. In managing and operating those lands, and implementing CDFW programs on those lands, CDFW may enter into contracts or other agreements with various entities, including California Native American tribes, and nonprofit organizations, among others.

The highly invasive golden mussel (Limnopema fortunei) was first observed in California in October 2024 near the Port of Stockton. In the intervening months, the golden mussels spread rapidly in the state and its water supply infrastructure south of the Delta with an observation as far south as San Diego earlier this year. In response to the infestation, the state’s existing dreissenid mussel program was expanded to include all invasive mussels through public resources trailer bill language last year AB 149 (Committee on Budget, Chapter 106, Statutes of 2025). This included expanding the current vessel registration program where fees are paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to help fund invasive species prevention. The trailer bill language did not address the two lakes that cross the California-Nevada border, nor did it provide for reciprocity for recreational boaters registered in Nevada and in compliance with Nevada’s invasive mussel requirements who crossed into California waters.

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR)

Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (Water Code §§10720 et seq.), DWR draws the boundaries of groundwater basins and sets a priority for each basin. Every ten years, DWR is required to report its findings regarding groundwater basin boundaries, which it does in a publication known as Bulletin 118. Existing law also requires DWR to reprioritize groundwater basins whenever it adjusts groundwater basin boundaries. This could be interpreted to require DWR to redraw all 515 groundwater basins every time any basin boundary is redrawn, while not explicitly requiring regular statewide reprioritization.

Existing law:

CDFW

1. Establishes an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee set by the Division of Boating and Waterways of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
   1. Provides that the fee shall be deposited into the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund and shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for administration of the fee and for implementation of invasive mussel infestation prevention plans.
   2. Limits the fee to not more than $10 in even-numbered years and not more than $20 in odd-numbered years before 2026.
   3. Limits the fee to between $15 and $21 in even-numbered years and between $30 and $42 in odd-numbered years beginning in 2026, with adjustments for inflation in odd-numbered years.
   4. Requires the DMV to issue an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker upon payment of the fee.
   5. Provides that failure to pay the fee shall not prohibit DMV from issuing registration of a vessel.
   6. Provides that a vessel operator may be issued a citation for operating a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker. (Harbors and Navigation Code §§675–676)
2. Requires that, in addition to the fee for the original registration or registration renewal of a vessel, DMV shall collect from resident and nonresident vessel owners an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee.
   1. Requires DMV to issue an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker upon payment of the fee.
   2. Provides that failure to pay the fee shall not prohibit DMV from issuing registration of a vessel.
   3. Provides that a vessel operator may be issued a citation for operating a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker. (Vehicle Code §§9853, 9860)

DWR

1. Requires DWR to conduct an investigation of the state’s groundwater basins and to identify the groundwater basins on the basis of geological and hydrological conditions and consideration of political boundary lines whenever practical.
   1. Authorizes DWR to revise the boundaries of groundwater basins based on its own investigations or information provided by others; and
   2. Requires DWR to report its findings to the Governor and the Legislature in years ending in five. (Water Code §12924)
2. Requires DWR to prioritize groundwater basins and subbasins according to specified criteria. (Water Code §10933)
3. Requires DWR to categorize each groundwater basin as high, medium, low, or very low priority and requires that any time DWR updates groundwater basin boundaries, DWR shall reassess the prioritization. (Water Code §10722.4)

PROPOSED LAW

This bill would:

1. Require DWR every time it updates Bulletin 118 boundaries to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which changes to the boundaries have been made. Require DWR to review and determine whether a reprioritization of groundwater basins where changes to the boundaries have been made on or by January 31, 2035 and not less than every 10 years thereafter.
2. Prohibit citing a person who operates a vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake who has not paid an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee to California if the vessel is registered in Nevada and Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species, as provided.
3. Delete obsolete invasive mussel infestation prevention fee language.
4. Make minor and conforming changes.
5. Declare that a special statute is necessary due to the interstate location of Lake Tahoe and Lake Topaz, as specified.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT

According to the author, “AB 2787 is the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee’s omnibus bill, which makes a number of helpful statutory updates. […] Additionally, AB 2787 simplifies the rules for recreation on our interstate lakes by extending reciprocity to Nevada invasive species stickers on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, as Nevada has done for Californians.” 

ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION

None received

COMMENTS

Technical amendment. In the body of the bill, “Topaz Lake” is the term used to refer to the man-made reservoir that is located in both Nevada and California, but in the section justifying the need for a special statute, the lake is referred to as “Lake Topaz.” “Topaz Lake” appears to be the name of the reservoir in common usage.

The Committee may wish to revise the reference to the reservoir in Section 8 for consistency with the rest of the bill. [Amendment #1]

Related legislation

AB 149 (Committee on Budget, Chapter 106, Statutes of 2025), a public resources budget trailer bill, extended the state’s dreissenid mussel program to all invasive mussels, among other provisions.

SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT 1

In Section 8, replace “Lake Topaz” with “Topaz Lake” for consistency.

SUPPORT

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

OPPOSITION

None received

-- END --

Date of Hearing: April 29, 2026

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Buffy Wicks, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2787

Author:(Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife) – As Introduced Ver:March 12, 2026

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This technical committee bill makes various changes to statutes related to water, parks, and wildlife.

Specifically, this bill, among other things:

1) Provides that (a) contracts and agreements with nonprofit conservation groups or resource conservation districts for the management and operation of lands managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and (b) contracts and agreements entered into under the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program shall be governed by certain requirements of Fish and Game Code section (FGC §) 1501.5, as specified.

2) Provides that a person who operates a Nevada-registered vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake, as determined by CDFW, shall not be cited for operation of a vessel without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker, provided that Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species.

3) Requires the Department of Water Resources (DWR), any time it updates groundwater basin boundaries, to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which changes to the boundaries have been made.

4) Requires DWR, on or before January 31, 2035, and not less than every ten years thereafter, to review and determine whether a reprioritization of all groundwater basins is warranted.

5) Makes other technical, clarifying, and conforming changes.

FISCAL EFFECT:

CDFW, DWR, and the Department of Parks and Recreation (which houses the Division of Boating and Waterways for purposes of invasive mussel infestation issues) anticipate any costs to be minor and absorbable.

COMMENTS:

1) Purpose. According to the author:

[This bill] is the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee’s omnibus bill, which makes a number of helpful statutory updates. [This bill] largely consists of technical revisions that clarify existing code and create efficiencies for DWR and CDFW, which are within the Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee’s jurisdiction. Additionally, [this bill] simplifies the rules for recreation on our interstate lakes by extending reciprocity to Nevada invasive species stickers on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, as Nevada has done for Californians. All elements of [this bill] are believed to be non-controversial in nature.

2) Background. CDFW Contracts with Nonprofit Partners. CDFW contracts with nonprofit partner organizations for various habitat projects. Currently, statutory authority for these partnerships exists in three different locations in the FGC, leading to confusion, delays, and underuse of contracting exemptions. FGC § 1501.5 provides broad general authority for CDFW to enter into contracts “whenever the department finds that the contracts will assist in meeting the department’s duty to preserve, protect, and restore fish and wildlife.” However, two other provisions in the FGC authorize CDFW to enter into contracts to support fish and wildlife. FGC § 1745 authorizes CDFW to enter into contracts with nonprofit conservation groups and resource conservation districts for the management or operations of department-managed lands, and the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program improves bird habitat by providing economic incentives to landowners to complete annual and long-term habitat enhancements. This bill makes clear that the contracting rules provided for in FGC § 1501.5 apply to these other two programs.

Reciprocity for Invasive Species Requirements on Interstate Lakes. Recreational boaters in California’s nonmarine waters, regardless of state of vessel registration, are required to pay an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee and display a sticker. California shares two interstate lakes with Nevada, Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, where recreational boaters can easily cross the state border on the shared water body. While Nevada extends reciprocity to California boaters (so California boaters do not need to purchase a Nevada aquatic invasive species decal), the same reciprocity is not currently extended to Nevada boaters in California. This bill provides that Nevada boaters may operate in California waters on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake without citation as long as Nevada has an aquatic invasive species program.

Groundwater Basin Boundary and Priority Adjustments. Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, DWR draws the boundaries of groundwater basins and sets a priority for each basin. Every ten years, DWR is required to report its findings regarding groundwater basin boundaries, which it does in a publication known as Bulletin 118. Current law also requires DWR to reprioritize groundwater basins whenever it adjusts groundwater basin boundaries. Existing law could be interpreted to require DWR to redraw all 515 groundwater basins every time any basin boundary is redrawn, while not explicitly requiring regular statewide reprioritization. This bill specifies that DWR is required to review and determine if reprioritization is necessary for all groundwater basins every ten years and in the interim is only required to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which the department has changed boundaries.

Analysis Prepared by: Nikita Koraddi / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 14, 2026

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WATER, PARKS, AND WILDLIFE

Diane Papan, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2787 (

Author:Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife) – As Introduced Ver:March 12, 2026

SUBJECT: Water, parks, and wildlife: omnibus bill

SUMMARY: Makes various changes to statutes related to water, parks, and wildlife. Specifically, this bill:

1. Provides that contracts and agreements with nonprofit conservation groups or resource conservation districts for the management and operation of lands managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) shall be governed by specified requirements of Fish and Game Code (FGC) § 1501.5.
2. Provides that contracts and agreements entered into under the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program shall be governed by specified requirements of FGC § 1501.5.
3. Provides that a person who operates a Nevada-registered vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake shall not be cited for operation of a vessel without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker, provided that Nevada has a program in effect for the management of aquatic invasive species.
4. Requires that any time the Department of Water Resources (DWR) updates groundwater basin boundaries, DWR shall reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which changes to the boundaries have been made.
5. Requires that DWR review and determine whether a reprioritization of all groundwater basins is warranted on or before January 31, 2035 and not less than every ten years thereafter.
6. Makes various technical and conforming changes.
7. Finds and declares that a special statute is necessary owing to the interstate location of Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake and to reciprocate how the State of Nevada treats California boaters.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Defines “department-managed lands” as lands, or lands and water, acquired for public shooting grounds, state marine (estuarine) recreational management areas, ecological reserves, and wildlife management areas.
   1. Requires that department-managed lands be operated on a nonprofit basis by CDFW;
   2. Authorizes CDFW to enter into contracts or other agreements for the management and operation of department-managed lands with nonprofit conservation groups or resource conservation districts;
   3. Provides that these contracts or other agreements are not subject to Public Contract Code § 10100 et seq. or Military and Veterans Code § 999 et seq.; and
   4. Requires these contracts or other agreements to adhere to the goals and objectives included in an approved management plan and be consistent with the purpose for which the lands were acquired (FGC § 1745).
2. Establishes the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program, which may include direct payments or other incentives to encourage landowners to voluntarily cultivate or retain upland cover crops, cereal grains, grasses, forbs, pollinator plants, or a combination thereof to provide waterfowl and other game bird nesting habitat cover.
   1. Authorizes CDFW to enter into grants or contracts with landowners, public and private entities (including nonprofit organizations), and California Native American tribes to help CDFW implement the program; and
   2. Provides that contracts entered into under the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program are not subject to Public Contract Code § 10100 et seq. or Military and Veterans Code § 999 et seq (FGC § 3480).
3. Authorizes CDFW to enter into contracts for fish and wildlife habitat preservation, restoration and enhancement with public and private entities and provides that those contracts are contracts for services for the purposes of Public Contract Code § 10335 et seq. and that no work under those contracts is a public work or public improvement for the purposes of Labor Code § 1720 et seq (FGC § 1501.5).
4. Establishes an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee set by the Division of Boating and Waterways of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
   1. Provides that the fee shall be deposited into the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund and shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for administration of the fee and for implementation of invasive mussel infestation prevention plans.
   2. Limits the fee to not more than $10 in even-numbered years and not more than $20 in odd-numbered years before 2026.
   3. Limits the fee to between $15 and $21 in even-numbered years and between $30 and $42 in odd-numbered years beginning in 2026, with adjustments for inflation in odd-numbered years.
   4. Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker upon payment of the fee.
   5. Provides that failure to pay the fee shall not prohibit DMV from issuing registration of a vessel.
   6. Provides that a vessel operator may be issued a citation for operating a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker (Harbors and Navigation Code §§ 675–676).
5. Requires that, in addition to the fee for the original registration or registration renewal of a vessel, DMV shall collect from resident and nonresident vessel owners an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee.
   1. Requires DMV to issue an invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker upon payment of the fee.
   2. Provides that failure to pay the fee shall not prohibit DMV from issuing registration of a vessel.
   3. Provides that a vessel operator may be issued a citation for operating a recreational vessel in nonmarine waters without a valid state-issued invasive mussel infestation prevention sticker (Vehicle Code §§ 9853 and 9860).
6. Requires DWR to conduct an investigation of the state’s groundwater basins and to identify the groundwater basins on the basis of geological and hydrological conditions and consideration of political boundary lines whenever practical.
   1. Authorizes DWR to revise the boundaries of groundwater basins based on its own investigations or information provided by others; and
   2. Requires DWR to report its findings to the Governor and the Legislature in years ending in five (Water Code § 12924).
7. Requires DWR to prioritize groundwater basins and subbasins according to specified criteria (Water Code § 10933).
8. Requires DWR to categorize each groundwater basin as high, medium, low, or very low priority and requires that any time DWR updates groundwater basin boundaries, DWR shall reassess the prioritization (Water Code § 10722.4).

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. This bill is keyed fiscal.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose of this bill. According to the author, “[This bill] is the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee’s omnibus bill, which makes a number of helpful statutory updates. [This bill] largely consists of technical revisions that clarify existing code and create efficiencies for DWR and CDFW, which are within the Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee’s jurisdiction. Additionally, [this bill] simplifies the rules for recreation on our interstate lakes by extending reciprocity to Nevada invasive species stickers on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, as Nevada has done for Californians. All elements of [this bill] are believed to be non-controversial in nature.”
2. Background. This bill addresses various issues in the Committee’s jurisdiction.

CDFW contracts with nonprofit partners. CDFW contracts with nonprofit partner organizations for various habitat projects. Currently, statutory authority for these partnerships exists in three different locations in the FGC, which has led to confusion, delays, and underuse of contracting exemptions. FGC § 1501.5 provides broad general authority for CDFW to enter into contracts “whenever the department finds that the contracts will assist in meeting the department’s duty to preserve, protect, and restore fish and wildlife.” However, two other provisions in the FGC authorize CDFW to enter into contracts to support fish and wildlife. FGC § 1745 authorizes CDFW to enter into contracts with nonprofit conservation groups and resource conservation districts for the management or operations of department-managed lands, and the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program improves bird habitat by providing economic incentives to landowners to complete annual and long-term habitat enhancements. This bill makes clear that the contracting rules provided for in FGC § 1501.5 apply to these other two programs.

Reciprocity for invasive species requirements on interstate lakes. Recreational boaters in California’s nonmarine waters, regardless of state of vessel registration, are required to pay an invasive mussel infestation prevention fee and display a sticker (see Existing Law #4–5). California shares two interstate lakes with Nevada, Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake, where recreational boaters can easily cross the state border on the shared water body. While Nevada extends reciprocity to California boaters (so that California boaters do not need to purchase a Nevada aquatic invasive species decal), the same reciprocity is not currently extended to Nevada boaters in California. This bill provides that Nevada boaters may operate in California waters on Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake without citation, as long as Nevada has an aquatic invasive species program.

Groundwater basin boundary and priority adjustments. Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (Water Code § 10720 et seq.), DWR draws the boundaries of groundwater basins and sets a priority for each basin. Every ten years, DWR is required to report its findings regarding groundwater basin boundaries, which it does in a publication known as Bulletin 118. Current law also requires DWR to reprioritize groundwater basins whenever it adjusts groundwater basin boundaries. The existing law could be interpreted to require DWR to redraw all 515 groundwater basins every time any basin boundary is redrawn, while not explicitly requiring regular statewide reprioritization. This bill specifies that DWR is required to review and determine if a reprioritization is necessary for all groundwater basins every ten years and in the interim is only required to reassess the prioritization of groundwater basins for which changes to the boundaries have been made.

1. Related legislation. AB 1520 (Water, Parks, and Wildlife), Chapter 401, Statutes of 2025, made various uncontroversial changes to statutes within the committee’s jurisdiction.

AB 149 (Budget), Chapter 106, Statutes of 2025, increased the invasive mussel infestation prevention fee and specified that it shall be collected from resident and nonresident vessel owners.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Sean Clair / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096