Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that would expand the duties of the California Department of Conservation to review geologic hazards that may occur in relation to climate change.

Highlights:

• Establishes that a geologic hazard is any geologic condition that may lead to loss of life or property (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that geologic hazards include earthquakes, landslides, mineral hazards, postfire debris flow, subsidence, coastal and inland erosion, expansive soil, fault displacement, and volcanic eruption (Sec. 2).

• Establishes that the Department of Conservation is responsible for reviewing and investigating geologic hazards in relation to climate change and must take measures to mitigate such hazards (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes the State Geologist to conduct studies and take action to mitigate potential geological disasters (Sec. 4).

• Authorizes the State Geologist to take measures to delineate wide earthquake fault zones (Sec. 11).

• Requires persons who are transferors of property located within seismic hazard zones to disclose if the property is located in an active fault zone (Sec. 12).

• Requires the Board of Conservation to prepare maps of seismic hazard zones (Sec. 13).

• Requires instruments to be installed during geographic surveys that conduct early earthquake detection (Sec. 15).

• Requires the Department of Conservation to work with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to design a fuel reduction project to protect water resources and wildlife habitat (Sec. 16).

• Establishes regulations for the removal of trees and forestry (Sec. 17).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that would expand the duties of the California Department of Conservation to review geologic hazards that may occur in relation to climate change.

Highlights:

• Establishes that a geologic hazard is any geologic condition that may lead to loss of life or property (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that geologic hazards include earthquakes, landslides, mineral hazards, postfire debris flow, subsidence, coastal and inland erosion, expansive soil, fault displacement, and volcanic eruption (Sec. 2).

• Establishes that the Department of Conservation is responsible for reviewing and investigating geologic hazards in relation to climate change and must take measures to mitigate such hazards (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes the State Geologist to conduct studies and take action to mitigate potential geological disasters (Sec. 4).

• Authorizes the State Geologist to take measures to delineate wide earthquake fault zones (Sec. 11).

• Requires persons who are transferors of property located within seismic hazard zones to disclose if the property is located in an active fault zone (Sec. 12).

• Requires the Board of Conservation to prepare maps of seismic hazard zones (Sec. 13).

• Requires instruments to be installed during geographic surveys that conduct early earthquake detection (Sec. 15).

• Requires the Department of Conservation to work with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to design a fuel reduction project to protect water resources and wildlife habitat (Sec. 16).

• Establishes regulations for the removal of trees and forestry (Sec. 17).

Full Bill Text