AB 2260CALIFORNIASession 20252026

California AB 2260 allows water rights registration for small-scale fish and wildlife restoration projects

Original title: Water: restoration management: small restoration use.

August 13, 2026

Water Rights Environmental Restoration Wildlife Habitat State Regulation Water restorationmanagement smallrestorationuse

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The Frame

What this does

This bill creates a streamlined legal pathway for landowners and conservationists to secure water rights for environmental projects, potentially increasing the speed and feasibility of local habitat restoration efforts.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Landowners

They gain the ability to register water rights for small-scale restoration projects on their property.

Conservation organizations

They may use this registration process to secure water for habitat restoration projects.

What changed

Last recorded activity August 13, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

AB 2260 expands the Water Rights Permitting Reform Act of 1988 to allow individuals and entities to register water rights specifically for small restoration projects aimed at native fish and wildlife habitat. The bill requires the State Water Resources Control Board to prioritize these registrations when they include a commitment to dedicate water for instream use or wetlands, and subjects these rights to existing renewal and rules.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Why It Matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as a 'small restoration use' under this bill?

It is defined as a specified use of water for native fish and wildlife preservation and enhancement in connection with a project to restore, enhance, or provide habitat for native fish and wildlife.

Will these new water rights expire?

Yes, like other small-use water rights, they are subject to a 5-year renewal process and may revert if the water is not beneficially used for a period of 5 years.

News Coverage

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Connected Entities

otherWater Rights Permitting Reform Act of 1988“The existing law being amended by AB 2260.”Map →

organizationDepartment of Fish and Wildlife“The department that sets conditions for water appropriations.”Map →

otherAdministrative Procedure Act“The law governing rulemaking processes, from which certain provisions are exempt”Map →

organizationState Water Resources Control Board“The state agency responsible for processing water rights registrations and setti”Map →

Sources

Open source document

openstates.org

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance65
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy20
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment5
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz15
Current news / social attention level

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