Protected species: California Endangered Species Act.

Assembly Member Schultz's legislation empowers California wildlife authorities to respond when federal species protections are reduced, establishing a framework for emergency state listings of federally protected species native to California through 2031. The Fish and Game Commission must consider emergency listings if federal actions after January 19, 2025 decrease species protections, requiring consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine whether state listing could provide additional safeguards.

The bill prohibits the transport, sale, or purchase of fish, wildlife, or plants taken in violation of federal trade laws in effect as of January 19, 2025. Entities operating under existing federal take authorizations remain exempt from state penalties during emergency listing periods if they maintain compliance with their federal permits and biological opinions. The Department of Fish and Wildlife must monitor federal actions quarterly and recommend species for emergency consideration.

Emergency listings can remain in effect for up to two years, during which the Department must conduct a formal status review to determine whether permanent listing is warranted. The Commission retains authority to terminate emergency listings early if circumstances change. Both the emergency listing provisions and trade restrictions expire on December 31, 2031, though enforcement actions initiated before that date may proceed to conclusion.