Why It Matters: California’s 2026 legislative session is nearing its conclusion, with the session set to adjourn on August 31. Governor Gavin Newsom will have until September 30 to sign or veto legislation. Several bills have moved through the Legislature that impact California’s anglers, hunters, and recreational shooters.
Highlights:
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) has been engaged on key legislation throughout the 2026 session, alongside the California Legislative Outdoor Sporting Caucus, including bills addressing concealed carry while archery hunting, firearm training certificates, hunting and fishing opportunities, and forestry management.
- Several sportsmen-related bills have reached the Governor’s desk, including legislation supported by CSF that would expand opportunities for California’s sportsmen and women.
The 2026 California legislative session has seen several significant developments impacting sportsmen and women. Key legislation addressed concealed carry permits, hunting access, wildlife conservation, and opportunities for future generations of hunters and anglers. Below is an overview of bills CSF has engaged on throughout the 2026 session.
Assembly Bill 1912 (AB 1912) would allow bowhunters to carry a concealed firearm while archery hunting during deer season. Across the country, 37 states already permit this important safety practice. Bowhunters are at a distinct disadvantage when facing threats from large predators such as mountain lions, bears, or other wildlife, and limiting their ability to defend themselves puts lives at risk unnecessarily. CSF submitted multiple letters of support and worked throughout the session to advocate for the bill’s passage. AB 1912 was signed by the Governor on August 27.
Assembly Bill 1948 (AB 1948) would extend the validity period of a concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit from two years to three years. The legislation would decrease administrative burdens for law-abiding CCW permit holders and licensing authorities. Governor Newsom signed AB 1948 into law on June 30.
Assembly Bill 1987 (AB 1987), introduced by California Outdoor Sporting Caucus members Assemblymember Cecilia M. Aguiar-Curry and Heather Hadwick, would authorize the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to enter into agreements with nonprofit conservation groups to help administer hunting and other public-use programs on department-managed lands. AB 1987 would establish a dedicated account for revenues generated through waterfowl hunting reservation applications and daily and season-long entry permits at Type A and Type B Wildlife Areas, ensuring those funds are directed toward the operation, maintenance, and administration of public hunting programs on those areas. AB 1987 has passed both houses and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
Senate Bill 1021 (SB 1021), sponsored by Outdoor Sporting Caucus member Senator Steven Choi, would establish a program to increase hunting and fishing opportunities for youth with life-threatening illnesses. The legislation would also require collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in developing the program. Programs providing hunting and fishing opportunities for youth facing life-threatening illnesses have long existed across the country through partnerships with conservation and sporting organizations. SB 1021 was held in committee on August 13.
Senate Bill 948 (SB 948) would require individuals purchasing, selling, or transferring firearms to complete an eight-hour firearm training course that includes live-fire instruction. This bill would also prohibit individuals moving to California from bringing firearms into the state if they did not obtain a valid firearm safety certificate within 180 days of establishing residency. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation submitted written testimony in opposition. SB 948 passed through both houses as of August 25 and is awaiting action from the Governor.
Assembly Bill 2494 (AB 2494) State Forests: Forest Management, would change the purpose and funding structure of State Demonstration Forests. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation submitted a letter urging lawmakers to table the legislation. While, on its face, the intent of Assembly Bill 2494 is to prioritize ecological management over commercial timber management on Demonstration State Forests. CSF was concerned that the bill would undermine the purpose of Demonstration State Forests, restricting sustainable forest management on state lands that are specifically set aside for natural resources research and public education about forest management. AB 2494 has passed both houses and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
Assembly Bill 2207 (AB 2207), sponsored by Outdoor Sporting Caucus member Heather Hadwick, would require the Fish and Game Commission to establish a hunting tag transfer program, allowing a person to transfer a tag to their child or grandchild. The person would need to be the parent, legal guardian, or grandparent, and the recipient would need to be 17 years old or younger. The transferor would also need to possess a valid hunting license. CDFW would collect a fee to cover the cost of transferring the tag, with the revenue deposited into the Big Game Management Account. The person would need to possess a valid hunting license and be 17 years old or younger. AB 2207 has passed both houses and will be sent to the Governor’s desk.
Senate Bill 1250 (SB 1250), sponsored by Outdoor Sporting Caucus Co-Chair Senator Dave Cortese, would require the California Transportation to consult with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine connectivity needs on state highways. It would also require Caltrans to include wildlife connectivity assets in its statewide transportation asset management plan. CSF supports bills like SB 1250 that improve coordination between transportation agencies and game and fish agencies, support wildlife movement, and help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. The legislation has passed through both houses and is being prepared to be sent to the Governor’s desk.
2026 was a busy yet productive year in California for CSF. As legislators go back to their districts, CSF will continue working during the interim with the Caucus and our partners leading up to the 2027 legislative session.