AB 1722: California Endangered Species Act: take prohibition: self-defense.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

The California Endangered Species Act requires the Fish and Game Commission to establish a list of endangered species and a list of threatened species and to add or remove species from either list if it finds, upon the receipt of sufficient scientific information, as specified, that the action is warranted. The act prohibits the taking of an endangered or threatened species, except under certain circumstances. The violation of the act is a crime.

This bill would prohibit the imposition of a civil, administrative, or criminal penalty for a violation of the take prohibition if the defendant used necessary and reasonable force to protect themselves, a member of their family, or any other individual from immediate bodily harm from a species listed pursuant to the act. The bill would require a person who committed a take, or an attempted take, of a species listed pursuant to the act under these circumstances to notify the Department of Fish and Wildlife within 24 hours after the take. Because a violation of this requirement would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 4

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 18, 2026Vetoed by Governor.
2. September 18, 2026Vetoed by Governor.
3. August 27, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.
4. August 27, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.
5. August 20, 2026Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 61. Noes 1. Page 6316.).
6. August 20, 2026Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 61. Noes 1. Page 6316.).
7. August 19, 2026In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
8. August 19, 2026In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
9. August 19, 2026Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 34. Noes 1. Page 5548.).
10. August 19, 2026Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 34. Noes 1.).
11. August 4, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
12. August 4, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.