Public resources trailer bill.
What changed between versions
Establishes the Farmland Access and Conservation for Thriving Communities Act (FACT CA) as new Division 10.1 of the Public Resources Code, creating a grant program within the Department of Conservation to help qualified entities acquire agricultural land for transfer or long-term lease to beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and tribal producers.
Declares that a special statute is necessary for the Point Lobos provisions due to the unique circumstances of the reserve in Monterey County, and provides for state mandates reimbursement if the Commission on State Mandates determines costs are mandated.
Authorizes use of $30 million from Proposition 4 (2024) bond proceeds to fund the farmland access program. The program becomes operative upon legislative appropriation and inoperates on July 1, 2041 or when funds are exhausted, whichever is sooner.
Increases the amount required to be expended from the California Beverage Container Recycling Fund by $60 million for FY 2026-27 only, for grants to community conservation corps for litter reduction and recycling programs. Also removes the 75 percent budget cap on grants for that fiscal year.
Appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Parks and Recreation for the Point Lobos report, and exempts any related contract from competitive bidding requirements under the Public Contract Code.
Defines eligible recipients as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, farmer cooperatives, tribal governments, tribal entities, and agricultural land trusts. Eligible farmer participants must be beginning farmers/ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers/ranchers, or tribal producers committed to sustainable practices.
Requires that at least 33 percent of program funding each grant cycle go to tribal governments and tribal entities, that funding prioritize socially disadvantaged farmers, that no more than 15 percent be used for land improvements, and that resale proceeds continue to support the program. Land must be transferred or leased within five years of acquisition.
Requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to submit a report to the Legislature by April 1, 2027, on options to reduce traffic congestion and unsafe parking at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve along Highway 1, in consultation with the Coastal Commission, Transportation Agency, and Monterey County District 5 Supervisor.
Amends Section 10239 of the Public Resources Code to add an exception: the requirement to sell fee title within three years does not apply to land acquired and entered into a lease under the new Division 10.1 farmland access program.