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Bill

AB 996

Public Resources: sea level rise plans.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gail Pellerin

California law now requires state agencies and local governments to develop sea level rise adaptation plans protecting coastal communities and infrastructure from climate-driven flooding risks.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 286, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 996

Legislative bill overview

AB 996 requires California state agencies and local governments to develop and implement comprehensive sea level rise adaptation plans as part of their public resource management strategies. The bill establishes standards for identifying vulnerable coastal areas, assessing climate risks, and creating resilience measures to protect communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from rising sea levels.

Why is this important

California's coastline faces significant threats from accelerating sea level rise driven by climate change, affecting millions of residents, critical infrastructure, and economically vital port facilities. Mandatory planning requirements ensure coordinated, science-based responses across jurisdictions rather than fragmented local efforts, potentially reducing disaster costs and protecting property values. This addresses a growing gap between climate science projections and existing infrastructure planning timelines.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Developing and executing adaptation plans may impose substantial financial burdens on local governments already facing budget constraints, with unclear state funding mechanisms
  • Property rights and managed retreat: Some plans may involve relocating residents or restricting coastal development, raising concerns about compensation, property values, and individual autonomy
  • Regulatory complexity: Mandatory coordination between state agencies and local jurisdictions could create conflicting requirements or slow decision-making in urgent situations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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