Section § 6301

Explanation

This law explains that the commission is the only authority that has control over all ungranted tidelands and submerged lands owned by the state of California. This includes the beds of navigable waters like rivers, lakes, and bays, which the state has or might acquire from the US government or other entities. It grants the commission full power to manage, lease, or dispose of these lands as allowed by law. However, it does not apply to certain lands mentioned in a specific 1947 statute.

The commission has exclusive jurisdiction over all ungranted tidelands and submerged lands owned by the State, and of the beds of navigable rivers, streams, lakes, bays, estuaries, inlets, and straits, including tidelands and submerged lands or any interest therein, whether within or beyond the boundaries of the State as established by law, which have been or may be acquired by the State (a) by quitclaim, cession, grant, contract, or otherwise from the United States or any agency thereof, or (b) by any other means. All jurisdiction and authority remaining in the State as to tidelands and submerged lands as to which grants have been or may be made is vested in the commission.
The commission shall exclusively administer and control all such lands, and may lease or otherwise dispose of such lands, as provided by law, upon such terms and for such consideration, if any, as are determined by it.
The provisions of this section do not apply to land of the classes described in Section 6403, as added by Chapter 227 of the Statutes of 1947.

Section § 6301.2

Explanation

This section states that the Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1969, which deals with reorganizing California's executive branch, will not affect the management of state tidelands and submerged lands. This includes lands subject to tides and any lands granted to local agencies, such as those in Long Beach. The current authority and responsibilities of these lands will stay with the commission overseeing them. Additionally, when preparing the necessary legislative bill, the Legislative Counsel must ensure these responsibilities remain excluded from any reorganization transfers.

Notwithstanding any of the provisions of the Governor’s Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1969 for the Reorganization of the Executive Branch of California State Government, if such reorganization plan becomes effective pursuant to Section 12080.5 of the Government Code, it shall have no effect whatever upon the nonmineral management functions, authorities, and responsibilities of state tidelands and submerged lands lying below such tidelands, and swamp and overflow lands affected by tides, including any such lands granted to a local agency (including, but not limited to, any of the tidelands and submerged lands which have been granted in trust to the City of Long Beach), currently within the jurisdiction of the commission. The Legislative Counsel shall include the exclusion of such functions, authorities, and responsibilities of the commission from the transfers of functions provided for by Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1969 in preparing the bill required pursuant to Section 12081 of the Government Code.

Section § 6301.5

Explanation

This law allows a California commission to negotiate on behalf of the state with the U.S. federal government concerning offshore mineral leases under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. These negotiations can address issues like existing lease operations, rent payments, and whether new leases should be issued while any land disputes between the U.S. and California are resolved. Any such agreement must be approved by the California Attorney General and the Governor before becoming effective.

The commission may act in behalf of the State of California pursuant to Section 7 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, an Act of Congress approved by the President on August 7, 1953 (67 Stat. 462, 43 U.S.C. Section 1336), and negotiate, with the concurrence of the Attorney General of California, with the Secretary of the Interior and with the Attorney General of the United States respecting operations under existing mineral leases, if any there be in lands in controversy, and the payment and impounding of rents and other sums payable thereunder, and respecting the issuance or nonissuance of new mineral leases pending the settlement or adjudication of any controversy, which now exists or may arise, between the United States and the State of California as to whether or not lands are subject to the provisions of said act. With the concurrence of the Attorney General of California, the commission also may enter into and execute agreements respecting the said subjects for, in behalf of, and in the name of the State, with the Secretary of the Interior, who, with the concurrence of the Attorney General of the United States, is authorized by the said act to enter into such agreements in behalf of the United States. With the concurrence of the Attorney General of California, the authority vested in the commission by this section extends to and includes all tidelands and submerged lands, or any interest therein, along the coast of the State of California, whether they be within or beyond the boundaries of the State as established by law, which have been or may be acquired by the State in any of the manners enumerated in Section 6301.
No agreement entered into pursuant to this section shall become effective unless and until it is approved by the Governor.

Section § 6301.6

Explanation

This law describes how funds that are impounded under certain circumstances can be managed by the State of California. Specifically, the Director of Finance can invest these funds in U.S. government bonds or similar obligations and can sell or exchange these securities if it benefits the state. The State Treasurer is in charge of safely keeping these investments, and any interest or profits from these investments should be returned to the original fund where the money came from, increasing the amount of those impounded funds.

If any funds are impounded pursuant to Section 6301.5 under the custody and control of the State of California, such impounded funds may be invested and reinvested by the Director of Finance in bonds or other obligations of the United States. Such securities may be sold or exchanged by the Director of Finance if, in his opinion, such sale or exchange is in the best interests of the State, and shall be sold by him whenever, and to the extent, necessary to effect any required transfer or other disposition of the impounded funds.
Securities purchased or otherwise acquired under the authority of this section shall be deposited and held in the custody and safekeeping of the State Treasurer, in the name of the account in the fund from which the investments were made.
Interest earned or other increment derived from investments made pursuant to this section shall, on order of the State Controller, be deposited in the fund from which the investments were made to the credit of the account covering the impounded funds, in augmentation of such impounded funds.

Section § 6301.7

Explanation

This law allows a commission, with the Governor's approval, to make agreements with the U.S. government or its representatives about projects like filling, dredging, or building that impact the boundary between California's submerged lands and U.S. lands off the coast. The state can waive its rights to some lands involved as part of these agreements. Before any agreement is made, it must be determined to be good for the public.

The commission may negotiate with, and with the approval of the Governor may enter into agreements with, the United States, or any official, agency, licensee, permittee, or lessee thereof, concerning the effect, if any, of any then existing or proposed or projected fill, dredging, or construction operations or other activities on or adjacent to tide and submerged lands within the County of Los Angeles or Ventura upon the boundary between state-owned submerged lands and the outer continental shelf lands under the jurisdiction of the United States, or concerning the location of that boundary. The agreements may include, but are not limited to, a waiver on behalf of the State of California of any state-owned submerged lands which would otherwise inure to the state as a result of any such fill, dredging, or construction operations, or other activities. The commission shall, before entering into any such agreement, find that the agreement is in the public interest.

Section § 6302

Explanation

This law allows a commission to remove anyone unlawfully occupying state-controlled water areas, like rivers or lakes. They can take trespassers to court and get reimbursed for the costs of removing them.

The commission may eject from any tide and submerged lands, beds of navigable channels, streams, rivers, creeks, lakes, bays, and inlets under its jurisdiction, any person, firm, or corporation, trespassing upon any such lands, through appropriate action in the courts of this state. The commission may recover costs of ejectment through the legal action.

Section § 6302.1

Explanation

This California law allows a commission to immediately remove unattended vessels that block traffic, threaten safety, or cause environmental harm. If these vessels aren't claimed within 30 days, they're considered abandoned. The commission must notify the owner and any lienholders after removing such vessels. If a vessel is placed on state lands without permission, the commission must give a 30-day notice before removal and try to locate the owner. If unclaimed after these notices, it becomes abandoned property.

The commission can recover removal costs and, with a request, steps in to remove derelict vessels not in its jurisdiction. Owners can reclaim their vessels by paying removal and storage costs. The law defines a vessel broadly to include watercraft and related equipment.

(a)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(a)
(1)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(a)(1) The commission may take immediate action, without notice, to remove from areas under its jurisdiction a vessel that is left unattended and is moored, docked, beached, or made fast to land in a position as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic or in a condition as to create a hazard to navigation, other vessels using a waterway, or the property of another.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(a)(2) The commission may take immediate action, without notice, to remove from areas under its jurisdiction a vessel that poses a significant threat to the public health, safety, or welfare or to sensitive habitat, wildlife, or water quality, or that constitutes a public nuisance.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(a)(3) A vessel removed under this section that remains unclaimed for 30 days after notice of removal is abandoned property.
(4)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(a)(4) After removal of the vessel pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2), the commission shall mail a notice to the owner, if known, and any known lienholder, that informs the owner and lienholder that if the vessel remains unclaimed for 30 days, it will be deemed abandoned property, and the commission may dispose of it pursuant to Section 6302.3.
(b)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(b)
(1)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(b)(1) The commission may remove from areas under its jurisdiction a vessel that has been placed on state lands without its permission. Prior to removal of the vessel, the commission shall do both of the following:
(A)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(b)(1)(A) Give a 30-day notice to remove the vessel by attaching it to the vessel in a clearly visible place.
(B)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(b)(1)(B) Use reasonable means to identify and locate the owner and any lienholder. If the owner is located, the commission shall mail notice to the owner to remove the property by a date certain at least 15 days from the date of the notice.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(b)(2) If a vessel remains unclaimed after the expiration of the 30 days’ notice period and the 15 days’ owner notice, if applicable, in accordance with paragraph (1), it is abandoned property and the commission may direct the disposition of the property pursuant to Section 6302.3. The commission may also either remove the vessel or allow it to remain in place until the commission takes action to dispose of the property.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(c) Upon request of the owner and after payment of the costs of removal and storage, the commission shall return to the owner a vessel removed under this section.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(d) The commission, at its discretion, may remove and dispose of an abandoned or derelict vessel on a navigable waterway in the state that is not under the jurisdiction of the commission pursuant to this section, if requested to do so by another public entity that has regulatory authority over the area where the vessel is located.
(e)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(e) The commission may recover all costs incurred in removal actions undertaken pursuant to this section, including administrative costs and the costs of compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000)), through an appropriate action in the courts of this state or by use of any available administrative remedy.
(f)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(f) For purposes of this section the following definitions apply:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(f)(1) “Appropriate action” means any cause of action available at law or in equity.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(f)(2) “Commission” includes the staff or agents of the commission or other federal, state, or local agencies operating in concert with or under the direction of the commission.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(f)(3) “Unclaimed” means that an owner or a lienholder of the vessel has not contacted the commission in response to a notice made pursuant to this section, if notice is required, and has not made adequate arrangements to take or remove the vessel to an authorized location.
(4)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(f)(4) “Vessel” includes any of the following:
(A)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(f)(4)(A) A vessel, boat, raft, or similar watercraft.
(B)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(f)(4)(B) A buoy, anchor, mooring, or other ground tackle used to secure a vessel, boat, raft, or similar watercraft.
(C)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.1(f)(4)(C) A hulk, derelict, wreck, or parts of a ship, vessel, or other watercraft.

Section § 6302.2

Explanation

This law requires that a commission, working with other state and local agencies, create a plan by July 1, 2019, to remove abandoned commercial vessels. The priority is to remove those that pose the greatest risk to the environment and to public health and safety in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta area. The execution of the plan will start when funds are allocated by the Legislature and supplemented by any federal or private financial resources. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta includes specified counties within California.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.2(a) The commission shall, in consultation with other relevant state and local agencies directly involved in the removal of abandoned vessels, by July 1, 2019, develop a plan for the removal of abandoned commercial vessels.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.2(b) The plan required to be developed pursuant to subdivision (a) shall prioritize the removal of vessels based on the risk an abandoned commercial vessel presents to the environment of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and to the health and safety of the public.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.2(c) The commission shall implement the plan required to be developed pursuant to subdivision (a) upon receipt by the commission of funds appropriated by the Legislature and any federal or private funds for this purpose.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.2(d) For purposes of this section, “Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta” means the lands within the boundaries of the Counties of Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo.

Section § 6302.3

Explanation

This law allows the commission to take ownership of abandoned vessels to either sell, destroy, or dispose of them. The commission doesn't need to address any liens before taking these actions. These vessels are not considered surplus state property.

Owners, lienholders, or interested parties must be notified of the hearing regarding the vessel and have the chance to speak before any decisions are made. The hearing will usually be informal unless specified otherwise by the commission.

After the commission decides, a 30-day delay is required to let the owner seek legal recourse, except if the property is returned to the owner.

Finally, the commission can recover the costs related to disposing of the vessel through the sale proceeds or court action, with any leftover funds going to the General Fund.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.3(a)  The commission, at a properly noticed commission hearing, may take title to an abandoned vessel subject to disposal pursuant to Section 6302.1 for the sole purpose of abatement, without satisfying any lien on the property, and may cause the property to be sold, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of in any manner it determines is expedient or convenient. Those abandoned vessels shall not be considered surplus state property for the purposes of removal, disposal, or destruction. Title to property transferred by the commission by sale or otherwise to third parties shall be clear of any lien or encumbrance.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.3(b) Notice of that meeting shall be given to a known owner and known lienholder, and the known owner, lienholder, or other interested party shall be given the right to appear and be heard prior to disposition of the property.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.3(c) A hearing on the disposition of property held pursuant to this section shall be an informal hearing pursuant to Section 11445.20 of the Government Code, unless designated as a formal hearing by the commission.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.3(d) Any action with regard to the disposition of the property as directed by the commission, with the exception of returning the property to the owner, shall be delayed for 30 days after the date of the commission’s determination, to allow the owner to pursue any other cause of action in law or equity.
(e)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.3(e) The commission’s cost of disposing of abandoned property, including staff time and legal and attorney’s fees, may be recovered by appropriate action in any court in which an action may be properly brought or by use of any available administrative remedy. If the property is sold, the commission may recover its costs from any proceeds of the sale and any additional funds received shall be deposited into the General Fund.

Section § 6302.4

Explanation

This law allows certain officials, like employees of the commission, peace officers, and others from various government levels, to board vessels to enforce specific regulations. Additionally, when the commission buys or sells property related to these regulations, those transactions are not subject to the usual state contracting rules.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.4(a) At the request of the commission, an employee or agent of the commission or a peace officer of the federal or state government or a city, county, or other political subdivision of the state shall have the authority to board a vessel for the purposes of carrying out Section 6302.1 or 6302.3.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 6302.4(b) An action of the commission with regard to any property acquired or disposed of pursuant to Section 6302.1 or 6302.3 is exempt from the State Contract Act (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 10100) of Part 2 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code).

Section § 6303

Explanation

This law gives the commission the authority to allow people or organizations to deposit or remove materials from certain types of state-owned lands, such as marshes and submerged lands, for reasons like improving navigation or flood control. If a contractor already has permission from the federal government or a public agency to dredge these areas, the commission can let them take sand, gravel, or other materials from state-owned lands as long as it's beneficial to the state.

This can be done without competitive bidding and under specific terms that serve the state's interests. However, the amount of material removed can't exceed what's specified in the contract or permit.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 6303(a) The commission may grant the privilege of depositing material upon or removing or extracting material from swamp, overflowed, marsh, tide or submerged lands, beds of navigable streams, channels, rivers, creeks, bays, or inlets owned by the state, for improvement of navigation, reclamation, flood control, or, for purposes connected with the erection or maintenance of structures authorized pursuant to Article 2 (commencing at Section 6321), upon those terms and conditions and for that consideration as will be in the best interests of this state.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 6303(b) When a contractor or permittee has a contract with or a permit from the federal government or any authorized public agency to dredge swamp, overflowed, marsh, tide or submerged lands, beds of navigable streams, channels, rivers, creeks, bays, or inlets for the improvement of navigation, reclamation, or flood control, the commission may, if it is in the best interests of the state, allow the contractor or permittee to have sand, gravel, or other spoils dredged from the sovereign lands of the state located within the areas specified in the contract or permit upon those terms and conditions and for such consideration as will be in the best interests of the state, notwithstanding Section 6992 with respect to competitive bidding. The amounts of sand, gravel, or other spoils so removed from sovereign lands shall not exceed those specified in the contract or permit.

Section § 6303.1

Explanation

This law states that if you knowingly fill, dredge, or reclaim state-owned land under navigable waters without the commission's written permission, you're committing a misdemeanor. This also applies to erecting, maintaining, removing, or altering structures on such land.

However, public agencies are allowed to make emergency changes, repairs, or removals to flood control structures on these lands without facing legal consequences.

Any person who knowingly and willfully fills, dredges, or reclaims any state-owned land under the jurisdiction of the commission underlying any navigable waters, or who erects, maintains, removes, or alters any structure on such land, without written authorization from the commission is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent public agencies from performing emergency alteration, maintenance, repair, or removal of flood control works or structures on state-owned lands underlying navigable waters.

Section § 6304

Explanation

This law allows the commission to work together with the Coastal Engineering Research Board, part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They can use money allocated to them to fund joint projects with this board.

The commission may cooperate with the Coastal Engineering Research Board of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and may expend such moneys as are necessary for cooperative work with that board out of any appropriation made for the purposes of this section.

Section § 6305

Explanation
This law gives local trustees of granted public trust lands the same powers that the state commission has when it comes to leasing or granting rights and privileges related to those lands.
The powers granted by this chapter to the commission as to leasing or granting of rights or privileges with relation to the lands owned by the state are hereby conferred upon the local trustee of granted public trust lands to which those lands have been granted.

Section § 6306

Explanation

This law defines a 'local trustee of granted public trust lands' as any local government or district that has been given control of certain state lands, such as tidelands or water beds. These trustees must keep detailed financial records of all money earned from and spent on these lands, following standard accounting practices. The earnings must be used only for purposes like commerce, navigation, and fisheries, as outlined in the trust agreements.

Each trustee must submit an annual detailed financial report to the state commission by December 31. This report should include income summaries, spending details, and describe report organization. The commission can provide a standardized form for this reporting and must make reports publicly available online.

The costs incurred by these accounting duties should be covered by the trust's revenues. If the revenues aren't enough, trustees may be excused from certain duties or given more time to comply.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(a) For purposes of this division, “local trustee of granted public trust lands” means a county, city, or district, including a water, sanitary, regional park, port, or harbor district, or any other local, political, or corporate subdivision that has been granted, conveyed, or transferred by statute, public trust lands, including tidelands, submerged lands, or the beds of navigable waters, through a legislative grant. A local trustee of granted public trust lands is a trustee of state lands.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(b) Notwithstanding any other law, every local trustee of granted public trust lands shall establish and maintain accounting procedures, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, providing accurate records of all revenues received from the trust lands and trust assets and of all expenditures of those revenues. If a trust grantee has several trust grants of adjacent lands and operates the granted lands as a single integrated entity, separation of accounting records for each trust grant is not required.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(c) All revenues received from trust lands and trust assets administered or collected by a local trustee of granted public trust lands shall be expended only for those uses and purposes consistent with the public trust for commerce, navigation, and fisheries, and the applicable statutory grant.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(d) All funds received or generated from trust lands or trust assets shall be segregated in separate accounts from nontrust received or generated funds.
(e)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6306(e)
(1)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6306(e)(1) Unless otherwise prescribed by an applicable statutory grant, on or before December 31 of each year, each local trustee of granted public trust lands shall file with the commission a detailed statement of all revenues and expenditures relating to its trust lands and trust assets, including obligations incurred but not yet paid, covering the fiscal year preceding submission of the statement.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(e)(2) The statement shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and may take the form of an annual audit prepared by or for the local trustee of granted public trust lands.
(3)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6306(e)(3)
(A)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6306(e)(3)(A) The detailed statement shall be submitted along with a standardized reporting form developed by the commission.
(B)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(e)(3)(A)(B) The commission shall use an existing reporting form previously developed for purposes of this paragraph, if a finding is made by the commission that it is generally responsive to the needs of the commission as prescribed in this section. Alternatively, the commission may develop a reporting form that requires a local trustee of granted public lands to report on all of the following:
(i)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(e)(3)(A)(B)(i) A summary of all funds received or generated from trust lands or trust assets.
(ii)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(e)(3)(A)(B)(ii) A summary of all spending of funds received or generated from trust lands or trust assets.
(iii)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(e)(3)(A)(B)(iii) Any other disposition of funds received or generated from trust lands or trust assets or of the trust lands or trust assets themselves.
(iv)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(e)(3)(A)(B)(iv) A description of the manner in which the statement required by this subdivision and accompanying the reporting form is organized.
(v)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(e)(3)(A)(B)(v) Any other information that the commission deems to be included in an accounting of granted public trust lands.
(C)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(e)(3)(A)(C) The adoption of the form by the commission pursuant to this subdivision is the prescription of a form for purposes of subdivision (c) of Section 11340.9 of the Government Code.
(4)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(e)(4) All forms and supporting statements submitted pursuant to this section shall be public records and be made available on the commission’s Internet Web site.
(f)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6306(f)
(1)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6306(f)(1) The costs that may be incurred by a local trustee of granted public trust lands that result from any new duties imposed upon that trustee pursuant to Chapter 206 of the Statutes of 2012, including the requirement to submit a standardized reporting form required by paragraph (3) of subdivision (e), shall be paid from the revenues derived from its granted public trust lands and assets specified in subdivision (b).
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6306(f)(2) If the revenues derived from the granted public trust lands and assets specified in subdivision (b) are not sufficient to pay the costs for the duties specified in paragraph (1), the commission shall exempt the local trustee of granted public trust lands from performing those duties for which the revenues are not sufficient, or grant a deadline extension from the performance of those duties until sufficient funds are available.

Section § 6306.1

Explanation

This law allows the State Lands Commission and Los Angeles Harbor Commissioners to take necessary actions to enhance and restore Batiquitos Lagoon in San Diego as a way to mitigate the environmental impact of expanding the Port of Los Angeles. However, this restoration project must still comply with all regulatory requirements.

If any property interests are acquired as part of this project, they are held in trust for the public. Since there's inadequate space for mitigation in Los Angeles Harbor, harbor revenue funds may be used for this project at Batiquitos Lagoon, which benefits the port and community by enabling safer relocation of hazardous facilities and promoting commerce and recreation.

Lastly, the port must provide a boating sanitation facility, navigational aids, and free safety publications, as these provisions will be reviewed by the California Coastal Commission to ensure compliance with specific permit conditions.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Lands Commission and the City of Los Angeles, acting by and through its Board of Harbor Commissioners, may take all actions which are necessary for mitigation of expansion of the Port of Los Angeles by the enhancement, restoration, and management of Batiquitos Lagoon in the County of San Diego. Nothing in this section exempts the Batiquitos Lagoon Restoration Project from the regulatory requirements or jurisdiction of any public entity.
If any interests in property are acquired as a part of the Batiquitos Lagoon mitigation project, these interests are to be held in trust for the public as sovereign lands by the State Lands Commission.
The Legislature finds that adequate area for appropriate mitigation of impacts on biological resources does not presently exist within Los Angeles Harbor. The City of Los Angeles, acting by and through its Board of Harbor Commissioners, may expend harbor revenue funds to enhance, restore, and manage Batiquitos Lagoon. The Legislature further finds that the enhancement, restoration, and management of Batiquitos Lagoon will provide benefits to the Port of Los Angeles and the community because it will (1) facilitate the development of an outer harbor landfill which is the initial step in relocating hazardous liquid bulk facilities in the port, thereby providing substantial safety benefits to the surrounding community, (2) allow the port, as part of a larger project, to generate substantial additional revenues to carry out the mandate in the state tidelands grants that the port promote commerce, navigation, and fishery; and (3) create future opportunities for recreational development consistent with tideland grants.
The port shall provide a recreational boating sanitation facility, navigational aids in the Cabrillo Channel, and a free boating safety publication. Provision of these facilities shall be considered by the California Coastal Commission in determining whether the conditions of coastal permit 5-85-623 have been met.

Section § 6306.2

Explanation

This law allows the City of Oakland to use revenue from granted tidelands to acquire, enhance, restore, or manage land outside their designated trust areas for a specific project under a permit from the Army. The following must be determined: no adequate mitigation areas exist within the current port district, the offsite mitigation aligns with public trust purposes, any acquired land will be transferred to the state for public trust, and the mitigation benefits the state. Additionally, the State Lands Commission can lease these lands as per designated regulations.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 6306.2(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in order to mitigate the effects of the project which is the subject of the Department of the Army Permit No. 14003E48B, issued July 23, 1986, the City of Oakland, acting by and through its Board of Port Commissioners, may use revenue accruing from, or out of, the use of granted tidelands, for the acquisition of land, or an interest in land, located outside the geographical boundaries of the trust grant, or for the enhancement, restoration, or management of land located outside the trust grant, if the commission makes all of the following determinations:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 6306.2(a)(1) That adequate areas for appropriate mitigation do not presently exist within the geographical boundaries of the port district trust grants, and that if some of the mitigation can occur within the geographical boundaries of the port district trust grants, that mitigation will be included in the mitigation program.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6306.2(a)(2) That the proposed offsite mitigation best promotes appropriate public trust purposes for which sovereign tidelands and submerged lands are held by the state, its location is appropriate in consideration of public trust needs, and it addresses the specific impacts of the project.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 6306.2(a)(3) That, unless the proposed offsite mitigation is to be located within another tidelands trust grant, title to any land or interest in land acquired, as well as any land which is to be enhanced, restored, or managed, will be transferred to the state, acting by and through the State Lands Commission, to be held in trust for the public as land having the legal character of sovereign lands.
(4)CA Public Resources Code § 6306.2(a)(4) That the mitigation is in the best interest of the state.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 6306.2(b) The State Lands Commission may lease any land or interest in land transferred to it pursuant to this section, as provided by Part 2 (commencing with Section 6501).

Section § 6307

Explanation

The commission can exchange lands with private or public entities if certain conditions are met, such as benefiting the public trust and not obstructing navigation or fishing rights. Any exchange should have equal or greater value in what the trust receives, involve lands no longer useful for public trust, and serve the state's best interest.

The commission may adjust the public trust on lands involved and the exchange must meet purposes like enhancing navigation, flood control, shoreline configuration, public access, or resolving boundary issues. Mineral rights can also be exchanged. The new landowners can seek legal confirmation of their title through a quiet title action.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(a) The commission may enter into an exchange, with any person or any private or public entity, of filled or reclaimed tide and submerged lands or beds of navigable waterways, or interests in these lands, that are subject to the public trust for commerce, navigation, and fisheries, for other lands or interests in lands, if the commission finds that all of the following conditions are met:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(a)(1) The exchange is for one or more of the purposes listed in subdivision (c).
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(a)(2) The lands or interests in lands to be acquired in the exchange will provide a significant benefit to the public trust.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(a)(3) The exchange does not substantially interfere with public rights of navigation and fishing.
(4)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(a)(4) The monetary value of the lands or interests in lands received by the trust in exchange is equal to or greater than that of the lands or interests in lands given by the trust in exchange.
(5)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(a)(5) The lands or interest in lands given in exchange have been cut off from water access and no longer are in fact tidelands or submerged lands or navigable waterways, by virtue of having been filled or reclaimed, and are relatively useless for public trust purposes.
(6)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(a)(6) The exchange is in the best interests of the state.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(b) Pursuant to an exchange agreement, the commission may free the lands or interest in lands given in exchange from the public trust and shall impose the public trust on the lands or interests in lands received in exchange.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(c) An exchange made by the commission pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be for one or more of the following purposes, as determined by the commission:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(c)(1) To improve navigation or waterways.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(c)(2) To aid in reclamation or flood control.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(c)(3) To enhance the physical configuration of the shoreline or trust land ownership.
(4)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(c)(4) To enhance public access to or along the water.
(5)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(c)(5) To enhance waterfront and nearshore development or redevelopment for public trust purposes.
(6)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(c)(6) To preserve, enhance, or create wetlands, riparian or littoral habitat, or open space.
(7)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(c)(7) To resolve boundary or title disputes.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(d) The commission may release the mineral rights in the lands or interests in lands given in exchange if it obtains the mineral rights in the lands or interests in lands received in exchange.
(e)CA Public Resources Code § 6307(e) The grantee of any lands or interests in lands given in exchange may bring a quiet title action under Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6461) of Part 1 of Division 6 of this code or Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 760.010) of Title 10 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Section § 6307.1

Explanation

This section outlines how California and Arizona can exchange land where state boundaries have shifted due to changes in the Colorado River. California can trade land located in Arizona for land in California that Arizona owns, ensuring the total value of exchanged lands is equal. If there's a value difference after all exchanges, cash payments are used to balance it out. Both states can also swap mineral rights as part of these deals. Any land California acquires becomes state-owned and must serve public trust purposes. Land exchanges in this context do not have to undergo typical environmental quality checks.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 6307.1(a) This section applies only to land in which California has a sovereign interest that lies within the boundaries of the State of Arizona and land in which Arizona has a sovereign interest that lies within the boundaries of the State of California, as a result of changes in the course of the Colorado River, and the redefinition in 1963 of the boundary between the two states.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 6307.1(b) The commission may enter into land exchange agreements with Arizona to transfer California’s sovereign interest in land located within the boundaries of Arizona and to acquire Arizona’s sovereign interest in land located within the boundaries of California.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 6307.1(c) The fair market value of the land transferred to Arizona shall be equal to the fair market value of the land acquired from Arizona. This requirement is not mandatory for each separate exchange transaction, but to the extent possible shall be complied with upon completion of all possible exchanges.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 6307.1(d) The total value of all lands exchanged pursuant to this section shall be determined according to fair market value. Upon completion of all possible exchanges, if there is a difference between the total value of all land transferred to Arizona, and all land acquired by California, the difference shall be eliminated by cash payments from or to the Land Bank Fund established by the Kapiloff Land Bank Act (Division 7 (commencing with Section 8600)).
(e)CA Public Resources Code § 6307.1(e) The commission may release the mineral rights in all the land transferred if it receives the mineral rights in all the land acquired.
(f)CA Public Resources Code § 6307.1(f) All land to be acquired by California pursuant to this section shall become, upon acquisition, sovereign land of California subject to the public trust. Any exchange shall be void unless the land to be acquired by Arizona pursuant to the exchange becomes, upon acquisition, sovereign land of Arizona subject to the public trust.
(g)CA Public Resources Code § 6307.1(g) Any land exchange made pursuant to this section shall be subject to the exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act contained in Section 21080.11.

Section § 6308

Explanation

If a lawsuit is started involving the ownership or borders of tidelands or submerged lands given to a county or city by the state, California must be included as a defendant. Summons should be delivered to the Chair of the State Lands Commission and the Attorney General, who will represent the state. No legal costs can be claimed from the state if it loses the case.

If an action or proceeding is commenced by or against a county, city, or other political subdivision or agency of the state involving the title to or the boundaries of tidelands or submerged lands that have been or may hereafter be granted to it in trust by the Legislature, the State of California shall be joined as a necessary party defendant in the action or proceeding. Service of summons shall be made upon the Chair of the State Lands Commission and upon the Attorney General, and the Attorney General shall represent the state in all the actions or proceedings. If judgment is given against the state in the action or proceeding, costs shall not be recovered from the state.

Section § 6309

Explanation

This law gives the commission the responsibility to oversee the Shipwreck and Historic Maritime Resources Program, which involves managing salvage operations on California's tide and submerged lands. The commission has exclusive rights to grant permits for these operations, ensuring they're conducted in a way that protects the sites and adheres to state purposes. It also dictates that all salvage efforts must have a permit, with permits lasting a year and renewable based on compliance and progress.

The law allows the commission to oversee salvage operations, issue permits for both historic and non-historic recoveries, and to ensure observers can monitor the operations to maintain compliance. It emphasizes communication between permitholders and the commission during these activities.

Additionally, the law explains that the state retains title over recovered objects, but compensates permitholders with a percentage of the objects' appraised value. The commission has the authority to revoke permits if terms aren't met and can issue stop work orders promptly in case of non-compliance.

Finally, the law allows the commission to charge fees for permits, possibly requiring a bond to cover potential expenses related to the salvage project, ensuring compliance with all laws and agreements.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 6309(a) The commission shall administer the Shipwreck and Historic Maritime Resources Program, which consists of the activities of the commission pursuant to this section and Sections 6313 and 6314.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 6309(b) The commission has exclusive jurisdiction with respect to salvage operations over and upon all tide and submerged lands of the state. The commission may grant the privilege of conducting salvage operations upon or over those lands by the issuance of permits. The commission may adopt rules and regulations in connection with applications for those permits, and the operations to be conducted in the salvage operation, that the commission determines to be necessary to protect those lands and the uses and purposes reserved to the people of the state.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 6309(c) The commission may issue permits for salvage on granted tide and submerged lands only after consultation with the grantee and a determination by the commission that the proposed salvage operation is not inconsistent with the purposes of the grant.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 6309(d) A salvage permit shall be required of a person or entity to conduct any salvage operation. As used in this section and Section 6313, “salvage operation” means any activity, including search by electronic means, or exploration or excavation using tools or mechanical devices, with the objective of locating, and recovering or removing vessels, aircraft, or any other cultural object from the surface or subsurface of state submerged lands.
(e)CA Public Resources Code § 6309(e) Salvage permits shall be issued for one year, with the option to renew the permit for additional one-year periods at the discretion of the commission upon a showing that the permitholder has diligently and lawfully pursued the permitted activity and has achieved to a reasonable extent the purpose for which the permit was issued.
(f)CA Public Resources Code § 6309(f) The commission may require that a person designated by the commission and paid by the permitholder be present during each phase of a salvage operation to observe and monitor compliance with the terms of the permit. The permitholder shall, upon the request of the commission, provide or pay for a reliable communication system for the observer to maintain contact with the office of the commission while on the salvage site.
(g)CA Public Resources Code § 6309(g) The commission may issue a permit for the search or recovery of nonhistoric vessels, aircraft, or submerged objects, and for the search, archaeological investigation, and recovery of historic vessels, aircraft, or other submerged historic resources as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 6313. The commission shall determine the appropriate type of permit to issue based on its evaluation of the salvage project and the project’s probable impact on the site or objective, and the impact on the state submerged lands. The commission shall not require a permit for any recreational diving activity which does not disturb the subsurface or remove objects or materials from a submerged archaeological site or submerged historic resource as defined in Section 6313.
(h)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6309(h)
(1)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6309(h)(1) Permits may be revoked by the commission, after notice to the permitholder, at any time the commission finds that the permitholder has failed to comply with the terms of the permit or any law or regulation governing the permitted activity.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6309(h)(2) A stop work order may be issued by the executive officer of the commission at the request of the onsite observer provided by subdivision (f), if the observer determines that the activities of the permitholder are not within the permitted activity. A stop work order shall be issued after the nonpermitted activity is brought to the attention of the person in charge of the onsite operation and that person fails or refuses after sufficient time and opportunity to change or correct the activity. Written notice of the stop work order shall be given to the person in charge of the onsite activity and a hearing by the executive officer or his or her designee shall be provided to the permitholder within three business days.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 6309(h)(3) After the hearing the commission may seek enforcement of, or the permitholder may seek relief from, the stop work order in the superior court in the county in which the activity is being conducted. The relief may include damages for failure to comply with the stop work order. The commission may deny an application for a permit when it finds that the applicant has failed to provide, for a period of 60 days, information specifically requested by the commission which is necessary to complete the application.
(i)CA Public Resources Code § 6309(i) When title to the objects, including a vessel, to be recovered is vested in the state, the commission shall provide for fair compensation to the permitholder in terms of a percentage of the reasonable cash value, or a fair share, of the objects recovered. The reasonable cash value of the objects shall be determined by appraisal by qualified experts selected by the commission. The commission shall determine the amount constituting fair compensation, taking into consideration the circumstances of each case. Title to all objects recovered is retained by the state until it is released by the commission.
(j)CA Public Resources Code § 6309(j) The commission may fix and collect reasonable fees and costs for the processing and issuance of permits under this section. The applicant may be required to post a bond to ensure the completion of the project or payment of costs, or to deposit funds with the commission sufficient to cover costs and expenses chargeable to the applicant by law or by an agreement for reimbursement. If a bond is posted, the bond shall be held by the commission and shall be sufficient to cover all potential costs associated with the project, including preserving, restoring, and protecting the site and its associated finds.

Section § 6310

Explanation

If a city incorporates and its boundaries include tide and submerged lands that were previously managed by a county, ownership of these lands will only transfer to the city if the state legislature specifically approves it. Once approved, all related documents and records will be handed over to the city. The city must reimburse the county for any costs involved in this transfer process.

Whenever tide and submerged lands granted in trust to a county by the Legislature are included within a city’s boundaries as the result of that city’s incorporation, trust title to such lands shall pass to such city only upon specific authorization and direction of the Legislature and at that time all papers, records, and all other documents pertaining to such lands and the administration thereof shall automatically become the property of the city and shall be transferred to the possession of the appropriate city officials by the county officials having possession thereof; provided, that the city shall pay to the county all costs necessarily incurred in making such transfer.

Section § 6311

Explanation

This law states that any new grants of tidelands or submerged lands after January 1, 1971, intended for small craft harbors must include specific requirements. The grantees must submit a construction plan for harbor facilities to the Division of Boating and Waterways. They must do this soon after the grant is effective, and build the facilities within a set time frame after the plan is approved.

It is hereby declared to be the policy of this state that any grant of tidelands or submerged lands made after January 1, 1971, within an area which has been designated by the Division of Boating and Waterways within the Department of Parks and Recreation as the location of a small craft harbor of refuge, shall contain a reservation and condition requiring the grantee to submit a plan to the Division of Boating and Waterways within the Department of Parks and Recreation, within a reasonable period of time after the effective date of the grant, for the construction of facilities necessary or convenient for the use of the granted lands as a small craft harbor of refuge, and requiring the construction of facilities to be completed within a specified period of time after approval of the plan by the Division of Boating and Waterways within the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Section § 6311.5

Explanation

This section defines responsibilities for local trustees, such as counties or cities managing public trust lands, to prioritize addressing sea level rise impacts. If their revenues are above $250,000 per year between 2009 and 2014, they must assess and report to the commission on how they plan to manage these impacts, including financial costs, mitigation plans, maps showing potential affected areas, and strategies for protecting resources.

Local trustees are encouraged to use existing climate and sea level data and collaborate with other stakeholders. Exemptions from these requirements can be obtained if certain conditions are met, like if the lands are not expected to be affected by 2100 or if assessment costs outweigh benefits. This law doesn't force trustees to take specific actions beyond submitting their assessments, nor does it conflict with federal regulations.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(a)(1) “Local trustee” means a local trustee of granted public trust lands that is a county, city, or district, including water, sanitary, regional park, port, or harbor district, or any other local political or corporate subdivision that has been granted public trust lands through a legislative grant.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(a)(2) “Gross public trust revenues” means those gross revenues that are subject to subdivision (c) of Section 6306.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(b) Addressing the impacts of sea level rise for all of its legislatively granted public trust lands pursuant to this section shall be among the management priorities of a local trustee. The geographic scope of a local trustee’s assessment of the impacts from sea level rise is not required to go beyond the boundaries of the local trustee’s granted public trust lands.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(c) A local trustee, whose gross public trust revenues average over two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) annually between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2014, shall prepare and submit to the commission, no later than July 1, 2019, an assessment of how the local trustee proposes to address sea level rise. A local trustee whose gross public trust revenues are two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) or less may, but is not required to, prepare and submit to the commission an assessment.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(d) For the purposes of subdivision (c), a local trustee shall consider and use relevant information from the 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy prepared by the Natural Resources Agency, the Report on Sea Level Rise Preparedness prepared by the State Lands Commission, the Sea-Level Rise for the Coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington: Past, Present, and Future, a report prepared by the National Academy of Sciences, the Resolution of the California Ocean Protection Council on Sea-Level Rise, the State of California Sea-Level Rise Guidance Document, and any subsequent updates to those reports that become available six months prior to the date the local trustee submits the assessment to the commission. A local trustee’s assessment prepared pursuant to subdivision (c) shall include all of the following:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(d)(1) An assessment of the impact of sea level rise on granted public trust lands, as described in the Resolution of the California Ocean Protection Council on Sea-level Rise and the latest version of the State of California Sea-Level Rise Guidance Document.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(d)(2) Maps showing the areas that may be affected by sea level rise in the years 2030, 2050, and 2100. These maps shall include the potential impacts of 100-year storm events. A local trustee may rely on appropriate maps generated by other entities.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(d)(3) An estimate of the financial cost of the impact of sea level rise on granted public trust lands. The estimate shall consider, but is not limited to, the potential cost of repair of damage to and the value of lost use of improvements and land, and the anticipated cost to prevent or mitigate potential damage.
(4)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(d)(4) A description of how the local trustee proposes to protect and preserve natural and manmade resources and facilities located, or proposed to be located, on trust lands and operated in connection with the use of the trust lands. The description shall include, but is not limited to, how wetlands restoration and habitat preservation would mitigate impacts of sea level rise.
(e)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(e) In addressing the impacts of sea level rise, a local trustee shall collaborate with its lessees, appropriate local, state, and federal agencies, and other users of the granted public trust lands.
(f)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(f)
(1)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(f)(1) A local trustee that prepares an assessment pursuant to subdivision (c) shall submit a copy to the commission in hard copy and electronic form. The commission shall make the assessment available to the public on its Internet Web site and, for informational purposes, shall send an electronic copy to each member of the Climate Action Team, the climate change program manager in the office of the Secretary for Environmental Protection, and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(f)(2) For purposes of compliance with this subdivision, if a trustee has already completed an assessment of the impacts of sea level rise that meets the criteria of this section, the trustee may submit that assessment to the commission.
(g)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(g) The commission shall exempt a local trustee of granted public trust lands from this section if the commission finds either of the following:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(g)(1) The local trustee’s public trust lands are not subject to sea level rise by 2100, based upon the highest projections in the most recent version of the State of California Sea-Level Rise Guidance Document.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(g)(2) The cost to provide an assessment of how the local trustee proposes to address the impacts of sea level rise substantially outweighs the benefit the action would have in preventing the potential economic and environmental harms associated with sea level rise on the local trustee’s granted public trust lands. In making this determination, the economic benefits of all ecological services provided by the existing natural resources in the local trustee’s granted public trust lands shall be considered.
(h)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(h) The commission shall exempt a local trustee from this section if the revenues derived from its granted public trust lands and assets subject to subdivision (c) of Section 6306 or funding made available to it from other discretionary sources is not sufficient to pay for the cost of assessing the impacts of sea level rise on granted public trust land and providing this information to the commission.
(i)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(i) The commission shall consider a local trustee’s request for an exemption pursuant to subdivision (g) or (h) at a properly noticed commission meeting if the request is made before November 1, 2018.
(j)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(j) Other than submission of the assessment required by subdivision (c), this section does not require a local trustee to implement any specific actions to address sea level rise pursuant to this section.
(k)CA Public Resources Code § 6311.5(k) Nothing in this section shall be construed to conflict with any federal regulations governing sea level rise.

Section § 6312

Explanation

This law ensures that when the state or any of its subdivisions takes over improvements on tidelands or submerged lands that were lawfully developed, they must pay fair compensation to those who made the improvements in good faith, based on agreements within their grants or patents.

However, parties involved can agree upfront that no compensation is needed for improvements. This law does not change anyone's land ownership rights and doesn't require compensation if government regulations affect plans for new improvements.

Also, the term “grant” here does not include legislative grants given to local government entities as trustees.

Neither the state, nor any political subdivision thereof, shall take possession of lawful improvements on validly granted or patented tidelands or submerged lands without the tender of a fair and just compensation for such lawful improvements as may have been made in good faith by the grantee or patentee or his successors in interest pursuant to any express or implied license contained in the grant or patent.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to prevent the parties to a grant or patent of tidelands from agreeing, as a part of such grant or patent, that there shall be no compensation paid for any improvement made on those tidelands to which such agreement relates.
Nothing herein contained is intended to increase, diminish, or affect the title of any person in any validly granted or patented tidelands or submerged lands.
This section shall not be construed to require compensation for any change in the use of tidelands or submerged lands as a result of governmental regulation that prohibits, restricts, delays, or otherwise affects the construction of any planned or contemplated improvement.
As used in this section, the term “grant” or “granted” shall not be construed to apply to legislative grants in trust to local governmental entities.

Section § 6313

Explanation

This law states that all abandoned shipwrecks and historical sites in California's tidal and submerged lands are owned by the state and managed by a commission for public benefit. The commission can transfer control to other agencies or organizations. These sites include objects or structures significant to California's history or prehistory, particularly if they're over 50 years old.

Permits for salvaging these sites can be given for educational, scientific, or cultural reasons, but only to qualified individuals or groups. Detailed project plans are needed, highlighting the purpose, method, equipment, funding, and team qualifications, among other details, before permits are granted. Professional marine archaeologists must oversee these activities.

Applications for excavation are reviewed by the State Office of Historic Preservation and other experts. Recovered materials can be displayed publicly under specific contracts, ensuring proper security and preservation. Contracts with other entities can also allow public display, with the commission ensuring resources remain state property or are repurchased if necessary.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(a) The title to all abandoned shipwrecks and all archaeological sites and historic resources on or in the tide and submerged lands of California is vested in the state. All abandoned shipwrecks and all submerged archaeological sites and submerged historic resources of the state shall be in the custody and subject to the control of the commission for the benefit of the people of the state of California. The commission may transfer title, custody, or control to other state agencies or recognized scientific or educational organizations, institutions, or individuals by appropriate legal conveyance.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(b) As used in this section, “submerged archaeological site” and “submerged historic resource,” shall be given the broadest possible meaning, to include any submerged object, structure, building, watercraft, aircraft, or vessel and any associated cargo, armament, tackle, fixture, human remains, or remnant of those objects, or a site, area, person, or place, which is historically or archaeologically significant, or significant in the prehistory or history or exploration, settlement, engineering, commerce, militarism, recreation, or culture of California and that is partially or wholly embedded in or resting on state submerged or tidal lands.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(c) Sites with archaeological or historic significance shall be determined by reference to their eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources. Any submerged archaeological site or submerged historic resource remaining in state waters for more than 50 years shall be presumed to be archaeologically or historically significant. The commission, with the assistance of the State Office of Historic Preservation, shall identify, compile, and maintain an inventory of shipwreck sites, or sites of archaeological or historical significance and shall make the listing available to the public.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(d) Permits for salvage operations involving submerged archaeological sites or submerged historic resources may be granted by the commission when the proposed activity is justified by an educational, scientific, or cultural purpose, or the need to protect the integrity of the site or the resource. The commission may issue permits to individuals or organizations representing museums, universities, colleges, or other recognized scientific or educational institutions and individuals that demonstrate the capability to properly carry out archaeological investigations. The commission may deny an application for a permit to an applicant who the commission determines has not demonstrated the ability to properly conduct an archaeological investigation or salvage activities. The commission may consider the applicant’s past conduct with regard to salvage operations when making this determination.
(e)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6313(e)
(1)Copy CA Public Resources Code § 6313(e)(1) Prior to the issuance of a permit under subdivision (d), the applicant shall provide to the commission a detailed project design that includes all of the following:
(A)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(e)(1)(A) The purpose of the project.
(B)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(e)(1)(B) A description of the methodology, technology, and equipment to be employed.
(C)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(e)(1)(C) The project funding source.
(D)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(e)(1)(D) A timetable for the completion of the project.
(E)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(e)(1)(E) The composition, qualifications, and responsibilities of the project team.
(F)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(e)(1)(F) A conservation and curation plan, if applicable.
(G)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(e)(1)(G) A plan to document all phases of the project.
(H)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(e)(1)(H) A safety plan.
(I)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(e)(1)(I) An outline and timetable for preparation and submission of progress reports and a final report.
(J)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(e)(1)(J) Other information that the commission deems necessary to properly evaluate the application.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(e)(2) All activities permitted under subdivision (d) or required by this subdivision shall be accomplished under the direct supervision of a person who meets the qualifications required of a professional marine archaeologist.
(f)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(f) The commission shall forward applications for permits for archaeological investigation or excavation and recovery of historic vessels, aircraft, or other submerged historic resources in state waters, including the information required by subdivision (e), to the State Office of Historic Preservation, and may provide the applications and information to other qualified organizations and individuals, as appropriate, for technical review of the project design and recommendation concerning the preservation and protection of the site or resource.
(g)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(g) The commission shall provide for the disposition of all objects or other materials recovered, which may include provisions for display in museums, educational institutions, and other appropriate locations available to the public.
(h)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(h) The commission may contract with persons, firms, corporations, or institutions who, for the privilege of having temporary possession of recovered archaeological resources, will advance to the commission the money necessary to conduct salvage operations or to purchase from a permitholder, from his or her fair share, archaeological resources which the commission determines should remain the property of the state. A contract may be made only on the condition that the commission may, at any time, repay the money advanced, without interest or additional charges of any kind, and recover possession of the resources. During the time the resources are in the possession of the entity advancing the money, the resources shall be available for viewing by the general public at a nominal fee or without charge.
(i)CA Public Resources Code § 6313(i) The commission may also contract with other state agencies, qualified public or private institutions, local governments, or individuals for public display of the archaeological resources recovered. The commission shall require assurances that appropriate security, qualified personnel, insurance, and facilities for preservation, restoration, and display of the resources loaned are provided under the contract.

Section § 6314

Explanation

This law makes it illegal to remove, damage, or destroy archaeological sites or historic resources on submerged state lands without permission. Violators can be fined up to $5,000, jailed for up to six months, or both. The commission or legal authorities can also seek civil damages for losses involving abandoned shipwrecks and related resources.

If a vessel is used to damage such sites, it can be held accountable for costs and damages. Confiscated artifacts taken improperly must be returned to rightful owners unless needed as criminal evidence.

Authorities are directed to work together to enforce these rules, and violators risk confiscation of artifacts found without proof of legal possession. Fines collected from a violation can be shared between the commission and the prosecuting district attorney.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 6314(a) A person who removes, without authorization from the commission, or a person who destroys or damages an archaeological site or a historic resource, that is located on or in the submerged lands of, and that is the property of, the state, is guilty of a misdemeanor, which shall be punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed six months or a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 6314(b) The commission, or, at its request, the Attorney General or a district attorney in whose jurisdiction the violation occurred, may seek civil damages for the damage, loss, or destruction of an abandoned shipwreck, its gear or cargo, or an archaeological site or historic resource located on or in submerged lands of the state. A vessel used to damage, destroy, or cause the loss of, any shipwreck or archaeological site or historic resource is subject to a proceeding in rem by the state for the costs and damages resulting from that damage, destruction, or loss. Enforcement may include, where appropriate, a restraining order or injunctive relief to restrain and enjoin violations or threatened violations of Section 6309, Section 6313, or this section and for the return of items taken in violation of these sections.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 6314(c) An artifact, object, or material that has been removed from a state submerged archaeological site or submerged historic resource, as specified in subdivision (a), and that is found in any watercraft occupied by persons who do not hold a permit as required by Section 6309 or 6313 or other reasonable evidence of legal possession is prima facie evidence of a violation of that section and the artifact, object, or material may be confiscated by a state, federal, or local law enforcement officer. An artifact, an object, or material confiscated pursuant to this section shall be returned to the person claiming ownership, upon proof of ownership or legal right to possession, within 30 days of its confiscation, unless a prosecuting attorney determines that it is required as evidence in the prosecution of a criminal violation.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 6314(d) In a case in which a district attorney, at the request of the commission, or with its concurrence, enforces subdivision (a), the commission shall, notwithstanding Section 1463 of the Penal Code, be entitled to an equal division of the fine imposed.
(e)CA Public Resources Code § 6314(e) All state and local law enforcement agencies and officers are directed to assist in enforcing this section, and are requested to work with and seek the cooperation of federal law enforcement agencies, including deputizing federal officers when appropriate.