Western Joshua Tree Bills Signed by Governor

Governor Gavin Newsom signed California Assembly Bills AB 1808 and AB 1663 on September 29, 2026, updating the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act to streamline permits and reduce costs for property owners, local governments, and tribal nations. [1, 2] The two bills signed were as follows:

Assembly Bill 1663 (Wallis)

• Author: Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-Bermuda Dunes) [1]

• Hazardous Tree Permits: Simplifies the no-fee permit process for hazardous or dead Western Joshua Trees (such as a dead tree leaning on a house). [1, 2]

• Authorized Agents: Allows property owners to designate an authorized agent—like a contractor or property manager—to manage the permit process without needing extra certifications. [1]

• Tribal Cultural Use: Expands state authority to collaborate with California Native American tribes regarding the cultural use of Western Joshua Trees, including purchase and sale for cultural traditions. [1]

Assembly Bill 1808 (Carrillo)

• Author: Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale), coauthored by Wallis [1, 2]

• Single-Family Homes: Allows owners of single-family residences to trim or remove up to 10 trees without fees or mitigation near structures or construction footprints. [1, 2]

• Public Works Projects: Permits trimming or removal of up to 40 trees for maintenance, repair, or replacement of existing infrastructure without extra fees. [1]

• Commercial & Industrial Delegation: Empowers the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to delegate permitting authority to local cities for commercial and industrial projects. [1, 2]

  
  

That leaves State Bill 1062 still unsigned, which was proposed by State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh. That bill focuses on a tiered permit fee system, asking the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to develop a tiered fee structure based on the project’s impacts.

JTGAR has worked with a coalition of business organizations and residents in its support of these bills, and would like to thank everyone involved for their help and support in getting these important pieces of legislation enacted.