Protected species: California Endangered Species Act.

Assembly Member Schultz's legislation empowers California's Fish and Game Commission to respond rapidly when federal actions reduce protections for native species under the Endangered Species Act. The bill authorizes the Commission to list species as endangered or threatened through emergency regulations when federal changes diminish existing safeguards, while also prohibiting the transport and sale of wildlife obtained in violation of federal trade laws.

Under the measure, the Department of Fish and Wildlife must conduct quarterly monitoring of federal endangered species decisions and promptly initiate status reviews when emergency listings occur. The Commission can then determine whether to extend protections beyond the emergency period. The bill allows the Commission to apply existing federal protections like biological opinions and incidental take permits when authorizing activities affecting newly listed species, unless those measures fall short of state requirements.

The legislation establishes a sunset date of December 31, 2031, though enforcement actions initiated before then may proceed to conclusion. The measure exempts cannabis and hemp activities permitted under state law from its trade restrictions, and authorizations made under emergency listings are not subject to California Environmental Quality Act review. While the bill creates new enforcement responsibilities for state agencies, it specifies that local governments will not require reimbursement for any costs incurred.