Huron Hawk Conservancy.

Assembly Member Soria's legislation establishes the Huron Hawk Conservancy to manage and revitalize a 3,000-acre detention basin near the City of Huron, transforming it into a regional park and nature reserve. The conservancy would operate as a state agency within the Natural Resources Agency, with authority to acquire and manage public lands for recreation, wildlife habitat restoration, and educational purposes.

The bill creates a 12-member governing board comprising local, state, and public representatives, including officials from Fresno County, the City of Huron, and various state departments. Three public board members would be appointed by state leadership, with priority given to candidates experienced in outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental justice. The board requires six members for a quorum and five affirmative votes to take action.

A dedicated Huron Hawk Conservancy Fund would be established in the State Treasury to receive and distribute appropriated funds, agency contributions, and other revenue sources. The conservancy could award grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations for land acquisition and improvement projects, though it cannot levy taxes or exercise eminent domain. Property transactions with nonprofits must include provisions protecting the state's interests, including rights of entry and potential property reversion.

The legislation becomes operative only upon legislative appropriation or approval of a general obligation bond for the conservancy's purposes. Local agencies may receive state reimbursement for any mandated costs through established statutory procedures.