Legislative Session Enters Final Three Weeks
Published Friday, August 7, 2026
The California Legislature has entered the final three weeks of the 2026 session, when bills can change quickly and major policy decisions are often made with little time for review. California Farm Bureau is closely monitoring remaining legislation and engaging with lawmakers on proposals that could significantly affect farmers and ranchers.
Among Farm Bureau’s priorities is Senate Bill 1305 by state Sen. Laura Richardson, D-Inglewood, which would require the state to study the feasibility of reintroducing grizzly bears to California. Farm Bureau opposes the measure because of its potential consequences for livestock, rural communities and public safety.
Farm Bureau is also watching Assembly Bill 1156 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, which could weaken protections provided by the Williamson Act. The bill was held last year, but additional amendments are expected before the session ends. Farm Bureau remains prepared to respond to any proposal that makes it easier to remove productive farmland from agricultural use.
Other end-of-session priorities include removing regulatory barriers to the use of autonomous agricultural equipment and addressing wage-parity concerns affecting sheep and goat herders. These issues have direct implications for agricultural labor costs, workplace efficiency and the industry’s ability to adopt technology that can help address persistent workforce shortages.
Finally, Farm Bureau is reviewing the final Cap-and-Invest funding agreement. Initial funding totals are disappointing for agriculture and could reduce support for programs that help farmers invest in cleaner equipment, water efficiency, manure management and other voluntary practices that advance the state’s environmental goals.
With limited time remaining, Farm Bureau will continue working with lawmakers, agencies and county Farm Bureaus to protect agriculture and keep members informed as these issues develop.
Staff contact: Chris Reardon, creardon@cfbf.com.
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