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AB 452

Revises provisions relating to public utilities. (BDR 58-572)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tracy Brown-May

Creates a formal process to designate state surfing reserves to protect valued surf spots as part of California’s 30x30 conservation goals.

Approved by the Governor. Chapter 518.
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Bill Summary · AB 452

AB 452 — Coastal recreation: designated state surfing reserves

Author: Irwin | Introduced: Feb 6, 2025 | Status: In committee — Held under submission (Assembly Appropriations, 05/23/2025)

Purpose / Intent

AB 452 creates a formal, statewide process for designating "state surfing reserves" to recognize and help conserve California surf spots for their cultural, historical, economic, and ecological values. The measure links these designations to the state's 30x30 conservation goal (conserving 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030) and intends to preserve surf zones and surrounding environments for future generations.

Key provisions

  • Adds Chapter 11 (Sections 31450–31453) to Division 21 of the Public Resources Code establishing the state surfing reserve program, administered by the State Coastal Conservancy (the conservancy).
  • Definitions:
    • “Local government” = city council or county board of supervisors.
    • “Surfing reserve” = an area designated under this chapter that protects waves, surf zones, and surrounding environments; recognizes environmental, cultural, and historical significance; and meets the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) standard as an “other effective area-based conservation measure” in the OPC’s 30x30 framework.
  • Conservancy duties:
    • By July 1, 2026, adopt criteria and an application process for designations. Criteria may include (and the conservancy may require) a recommendation letter from “the commission” (text reference; likely the Coastal Commission).
    • Consider factors such as wave quality and consistency, surf culture/history, environmental characteristics, and management priorities when setting criteria.
  • Application process:
    • A local government (after passing a formal resolution) may apply to designate a coastline area within its jurisdiction.
    • Required application elements: specific geographic description and coastal access, cultural/historical/ecological/economic value, management priorities, and any other conservancy-required eligibility materials.
  • Approval and designation:
    • The conservancy shall approve and designate applications that meet criteria, include the designation in conservancy publications/maps where appropriate, and transmit notice of approvals to the Ocean Protection Council for potential inclusion in the state’s 30x30 coastal waters goal.
  • Publicity, signage, and funding:
    • The conservancy may, upon legislative appropriation, publicize approved reserves and partner with local governments to erect signs; it may accept donations for these activities.
  • Revocation:
    • The conservancy may revoke a designation if the reserve no longer meets established criteria.

Who is affected

  • Local governments (cities and counties) that may nominate surf sites.
  • The State Coastal Conservancy and Ocean Protection Council (administration, review, and inclusion in 30x30 tracking).
  • Surfing communities, coastal businesses, conservation organizations, and the public who use and value surf areas.
  • Potential indirect effects on coastal planning and voluntary conservation efforts; the bill does not by itself appropriate funds or change land ownership.

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • Fiscal committee review: YES (indicates potential fiscal effects); Appropriation: NO (bill does not itself appropriate funds).
  • Public signage/publicity tied to future legislative appropriations; conservancy may accept donations.
  • Legal text: Adds Sections 31450–31453 to the Public Resources Code.
  • Legislative history highlights:
    • Read first time: 02/06/2025; Referred to Natural Resources: 02/24/2025.
    • Amended and approved by Assembly Natural Resources (04/07/2025); re-referred to Appropriations (04/10/2025).
    • Set for hearing / referred to suspense file (04/23/2025); held under submission in Assembly Appropriations (05/23/2025).

Potential impacts

  • Provides formal recognition and a pathway to incorporate valued surf sites into state conservation planning (including 30x30 reporting).
  • Supports cultural and recreational recognition of surf spots without mandating land-use change or direct regulatory restrictions; conservation and outreach actions are largely voluntary and contingent on future funding or partnerships.

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

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