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AB 2260CALIFORNIASession 20252026State Billfiled

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

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

Record date · August 13, 2026

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

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What This Bill Would Do

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.

Why it matters

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 It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Landowners

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

Directly affected

Conservation organizations

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

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.

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.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently filed. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Committee.

Version history

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Lobbying Activity

No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.

Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

Connected Entities

Water Rights Permitting Reform Act of 1988, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Administrative Procedure Act and 1 more

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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