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Committee backs bill to remove sunset on California Migratory Bird Protection Act
Summary
AB 454 would make permanent California's Migratory Bird Protection Act (the state-level mirror of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as interpreted before 2017) by removing the law's sunset date. Supporters said the change preserves consistent protections for migratory birds regardless of shifts in federal policy; no formal opposition testified at the
Assemblymember Carl Ra presented AB 454 to the committee, a bill that would remove the sunset date from the California Migratory Bird Protection Act and make the state statute permanent.
Michael Chen of Audubon California and representatives from Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife, Planning and Conservation League and other conservation organizations testified in support. They said federal interpretations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) have varied across administrations and that state law should consistently protect migratory birds, including prophylactic measures against incidental take by industrial operations.
Supporters said the statute has not resulted in increased enforcement or costs since 2019 but provides legal clarity and continuity for regulated industries and conservation groups alike. No witnesses testified in opposition during the committee hearing.
Action: The committee moved AB 454 out of committee with a ‘‘do pass’’ recommendation (reported out to appropriations or further committee process as recorded). The motion carried on roll call and the bill was placed on call and reported out as recorded.
Background: California enacted the state Migratory Bird Protection measure in response to changing federal interpretations of the MBTA; AB 454 would remove an expiring sunset so the state law remains in effect permanently.
Next steps: AB 454 was advanced from the committee and will proceed to the next phase of Senate consideration.
