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This year, ̽����ѡ supporters across the state mobilized to strengthen protections for California’s most sensitive birds, habitats, and communities. Our community chapters in key districts called their lawmakers, and supporters sent nearly 15,000 letters urging action on ̽����ѡ co-sponsored and supported legislation. 

Thanks to that advocacy and the leadership of champions in the Legislature, two ̽����ѡ co-sponsored bills have now been signed into law: Assembly Bill (AB) 454 and Senate Bill (SB) 427, both incredible wins for birds and habitats! ̽����ѡ-supported AB 1319 remains on the Governor's desk for consideration in the coming weeks.

AB 454: Making Migratory Bird Protections Permanent 

Hundreds of bird species rely on California’s habitats during their journeys along the Pacific Flyway. From raptors like the Swainson’s Hawk to shorebirds such as the Western Sandpiper, millions of birds depend on California each year.

For over a century, the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) provided essential protection for these species, guiding safer industrial practices and helping them recover after disasters, like the Exxon Valdez oil spill. But when federal protections were weakened in 2018, California stepped up with its own law, the California Migratory Bird Protection Act, to ensure state safeguards would remain strong if federal laws fell short.

That state law, however, had a “sunset” clause and automatically expired earlier this year. ̽����ѡ co-sponsored AB 454 was signed by the Governor on October 6th and makes California’s commitment permanent, protecting migratory birds for generations to come. 

AB 1319: Strengthening the California Endangered Species Act

California’s Endangered Species Act (CESA) provides a vital safety net when federal protections fall short. ̽����ѡ supported AB 1319 provides a way for California to quickly protect sensitive species that are currently listed under the federal ESA if federal protections are weakened. AB 1319 passed the Legislature and has gone to the Governor for signature. This is a major step forward for biodiversity and resilience.

SB 427: Extending the Habitat Conservation Fund

Wildlife needs healthy, connected places to thrive. ̽����ѡ co-sponsored SB 427 extends the Habitat Conservation Fund through 2035, continuing its legacy of protecting and managing more than 1.2 million acres of habitat and ensuring that California invests in acquiring, restoring, and enhancing landscapes for another decade. The program has funded hundreds of projects that support California’s incredible biodiversity, including the world’s largest wildlife crossing over Highway 101 in Agoura Hills, a new trails gateway into Redwood National and State Parks, and an ancestral land-return project in San Bernardino County. SB 427 was signed into law by the Governor on October 3, 2025.

AB 929: Protecting Wetlands and Waterfowl Habitat

California’s Central Valley has lost over 95% of its native wetlands and much of the wetland habitat that remains is intensively managed and depends on groundwater.  ̽����ѡ co-sponsored AB 929 would keep wetlands exempt from California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, securing critical water supplies for birds like the Northern Shoveler, as well as other wildlife and communities, while protecting some of the Central Valley’s last remaining wetlands. ̽����ѡ co-sponsored AB 929 passed the Assembly with bipartisan support, but has been converted into a two-year bill that will be taken up again when the Legislature reconvenes in January.

Defending CEQA

We are also grateful to chapters and to defend the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a cornerstone law that protects birds, wildlife, and communities from harmful development. Although necessary fixes to Senate Bill 131 did not move forward this year, ̽����ѡ is already working to support , introduced by Assemblymember Damon Connolly, for January of next year. This new bill fixes the most troubling changes to CEQA, by restoring protections for sensitive wildlife habitat and removing the exemption for “advanced manufacturing”.

Big Wins for Birds & California

This year’s progress underscores what’s possible when Californians raise their voices for nature. Looking ahead, AB 454 and AB 1319 are on the Governor’s desk, where they have the opportunity to be signed into law and provide lasting protections for birds, wildlife, and communities.

We are grateful to our supporters, community chapters, and coalition partners for helping make this progress possible. Learn about new opportunities to take action by subscribing to our and joining us on for updates, action alerts, and stories about conservation progress across California.