Legislation

(**Indicates bipartisan sponsorship)

• California SB 155 (Enacted 2021): Added Section 21080.56 to the California Public Resources Code, which provides an exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for eligible restoration projects. SB 174 (Enacted 2024) extends this exemption through January 1, 2030.
• **Colorado HB 1379 (Enacted 2024): Includes exemptions and exclusions for voluntary stream restoration and does not require compensatory mitigation.
• **Florida CS/CS/SB 302 (Enacted 2026): Requires development of design guidelines for nature-based solutions (NbS) and coastal protection by January 2027. Includes post-disaster fast-track permitting to replace failed infrastructure with NbS, and mandates public education on wetlands and mangroves. 
• **Maryland HB 869 (Enacted 2022): Requires the Department of the Environment to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of ecological restoration permitting.
• **Washington HB 1382 (Enacted 2021; Expired 2025): Created the Habitat Recovery Pilot Program to speed up restoration permitting through expanded project eligibility, exemptions, streamlined local oversight, and collaborative review. Advocates are working with state legislators to make the program permanent.