Wild and scenic rivers.

Assembly Member Schultz's proposal to amend California's wild and scenic rivers protection framework would remove the current December 31, 2025 sunset date for state actions to preserve rivers that lose federal protections. The legislation maintains the Secretary of Natural Resources' authority to add rivers or segments to the state system when federal designations are removed or modified.

Under the bill's provisions, the Secretary must hold public hearings before adding previously federally-protected rivers to the state system. Any state designations must match the geographic boundaries and classification levels (wild, scenic, or recreational) of prior federal protections. The Legislature retains authority to modify or remove state river designations through subsequent legislation. State protections cannot exceed those previously provided under federal law.

The measure preserves existing requirements for public input and administrative procedures while removing temporal limitations on the state's ability to respond when federal river protections change. The bill requires no additional appropriations, though ongoing administrative costs may arise from future public hearings and river designation processes.