CA SB1226 Access to Navigable Waters - Delta Waterfowl

..from Delta Waterfowl posting.. Going into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, SB1226 protects hunters’ rights to use navigable waters in line with the California Constitution Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, California hunters will be permitted to leave the marked boundaries of a waterway and hunt flooded waters, provided they do not trespass on private property and maintain a minimum distance of 150 yards from any residence or building. This legislation, SB1226, was signed by Gov. Newsom on Aug. 19, 2024. Currently, under California state law, an individual must stay within the marked boundaries of a refuge, river, delta, or any other body of water to hunt, even if the location is flooded over. This restriction will remain in effect for an ample portion of the 2024-2025 waterfowl seasons. “By clarifying a complex issue, this legislation will help reinforce the constitutional rights of California duck hunters to access navigable waters while hunting, all while continuing to respect private property rights,” said Christopher Hoon, Delta’s manager of government affairs for the Pacific Flyway. “Delta Waterfowl applauds Senator Cortese for his leadership on this bill, which will have longstanding positive effects on California duck hunters.” This legislation was drafted to resolve a conflict between the Fish and Game Code and a 1985 State Attorney General's Opinion. The State Attorney General in 1985 determined that hunting is an integral part of the public right of navigation and that restrictions on hunting navigable floodwaters are unconstitutional as they conflict with Article X, Section IV, of the California Constitution, which mandates the State Legislature to protect public access to navigable waters.