Bill
AB 1772
AB 1772 expands water-system plan requirements to address all invasive mussels, mandates rapid updates for new detections, and adds enforcement tools to prevent and decontaminate s
Date of Amended Version: March 23, 2026
Purpose and intent
- AB 1772 aims to strengthen California’s response to aquatic invasive species, with a focus on the golden mussel. It expands requirements for water-supply operators to update and broaden their control plans, creates a state-coordinated framework for preventing overland spread of invasive mussels via watercraft, and seeks to establish more uniform standards and funding mechanisms for prevention and decontamination efforts.
- The bill expresses findings on ecological, recreational, and economic impacts of aquatic invasive species and proposes later legislation to broaden funding sources beyond recreational boating fees.
Key provisions and changes
1) Expanded scope and timing for water system plans ( Fish and Game Code sections 2301 and 2303; new section 2304)
- Water supply system operators must update their plans to address all invasive mussel species present in their system as of January 1, 2026.
- For new detections after January 1, 2026, plans must address each detected invasive mussel species within 180 days of detection.
- Plans must include measures to minimize or eliminate downstream transport of invasive mussels.
- The definition of “invasive mussel” is expanded to mean any nonnative biofouling mussel capable of spreading in freshwater (tied to a regulation under Section 2118).
- The department may require updates to plans and can impose penalties for noncompliance. A penalty authority is capped at up to $1,000 per violation, with regulations governing penalties and appeals.
2) Enforcement and public health/management authorities
- The director or designee may inspect conveyances and water bodies, drain/decontaminate water-containing areas, and impound or quarantine vessels as needed to prevent spread.
- The director can close or restrict access to waters/facilities suspected of infestation, with procedural safeguards, including required concurrence from the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency for closures and ongoing reporting (every 10 days after a seven-day closure, in writing and online).
3) Interagency collaboration and scope of authority
- Other state agencies (e.g., Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Water Resources, Department of Food and Agriculture, State Lands Commission) may exercise the authority granted to the department if it furthers public interest. Written determinations remain in effect until withdrawn.
4) Voluntary overland spread prevention framework (new §2304)
- In consultation with Parks and Recreation and Agriculture, the department must develop a voluntary framework to prevent overland spread of invasive mussels via watercraft.
- Framework elements include:
- minimum standards for inspection, decontamination, and quarantine aligned with best science and national standards where feasible
- banding or other mechanisms to verify inspection/decontamination/quarantine status of watercraft
- training and quality assurance metrics for consistent vessel management
- publicly available statewide list of participating inspection/decontamination services
- education and outreach materials to reduce spread and encourage compliance
5) Reimbursement and fiscal notes
- The bill includes a declaration that no state reimbursement is required for local agencies as a result of the act, per constitutional provisions.
6) Intent for future legislation
- The sponsor language indicates an intent to pursue additional legislation to identify alternative funding sources beyond boating fees (e.g., assessments on commercial activities, including international cargo/shipping) to support invasive species prevention and mitigation.
Affected parties
- Public and private water supply system operators (primary implementers of updated plans)
- Environmental and recreational users (through potential closures, decontamination, and reporting requirements)
- Waterbody managers and affected facilities (marinas, boat launches, etc.)
- State agencies coordinating on fish, wildlife, parks, agriculture, water resources, and related enforcement
Timeline highlights
- Updates to existing plans required to address all species present as of January 1, 2026, with required completion by (utilizing the bill’s existing sunset language) no later than September 30, 2027 for updated or revised plans.
- New species detected after January 1, 2026 must be addressed within 180 days of listing in a regulation.
- Closures and ongoing updates to facility operators are mandated where infestations are detected, with ongoing reporting every 10 days if a closure lasts longer than seven days.
Notes
- The bill is subject to amendments and would amend the Fish and Game Code accordingly.
- The measure qualifies as imposing a state-mandated local program by expanding the scope of a crime (penalties) for noncompliance.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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