Governor Newsom Signs CCA-Sponsored AB 1103

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— This evening, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he has signed CCA-sponsored Assembly Bill 1103 (Dahle) as part of a slate of bills intended to support communities across rural California. AB 1103 establishes a statewide framework for county “Livestock Pass” programs to safely provide livestock producers access to their ranches during wildfires and other emergencies. The bill previously passed through the Legislature without recording a single “no” vote.

Today’s victory comes on the heels of another major CCA win, after Governor Newsom on Wednesday signed CCA-sponsored SB 332 (Dodd).

AB 1103 facilitates county adoption of “Livestock Pass” programs, granting ranchers and their managers ranch access during wildfires and other emergencies to safely care for and evacuate livestock; the bill also enables ranchers to assist emergency responders by providing them local knowledge and expertise. While some counties have already developed emergency ranch access programs, others lack the resources to develop and implement Livestock Pass programs. AB 1103 requires CAL FIRE to establish a statewide training program for Livestock Pass holders, codifies a requirement that law enforcement and emergency responders grant ranch access to Livestock Pass holders and establishes certain minimum standards for administration of the programs, facilitating and streamlining adoption of county Livestock Pass programs throughout the state.

Butte County’s Commercial Livestock Disaster Pass program has proven immensely valuable during this year’s Dixie Fire, and similar programs are benefiting ranchers elsewhere in the state. CCA looks forward to AB 1103 enabling the expansion of this vital program throughout California.

Ranchers interested in developing a Livestock Pass program in their county and learning more about AB 1103 are encouraged to participate in an Ag Pass Informational Workshop to be held in conjunction with CCA’s 105^th Annual Convention at the Peppermill in Reno, NV from Dec. 1-3. The workshop will be held Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 2:00-3:00pm, featuring experts who have developed Ag Pass and Livestock Pass programs in Santa Barbara County, Butte County and elsewhere.

CCA applauds the Governor for signing AB 1103, and sincerely thanks Assemblymember Dahle for authoring this vital legislation. CCA also wishes to thank members of CCA’s Fire Subcommittee for invaluable input throughout the 2021 Legislative Session.

Finally, CCA appreciates you, our members, for your unwavering support of the Association and of AB 1103 in particular – our Legislative victories are only possible thanks to you!