NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc.

08/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/20/2026 23:20

Comprehensive Golden Mussel Bill Halted in California Senate Appropriations Committee

On August 13, the California Senate Appropriations Committee voted to hold AB 1772 in committee, meaning it will not advance to the Governor's desk for a signature in 2026.
Introduced in February 2026 by Assembly Member Diane Papan, AB 1772 was a comprehensive bill that would have helped reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species - particularly the Golden Mussel - and improve access for boaters in California. As sponsors of this legislation, NMMA facilitated numerous stakeholder discussions and worked to craft a comprehensive bill that would have:
  • Established a statewide standard for decontaminating vessels and other equipment;
  • Developed a reciprocity system to allow for the recognition of certified decontamination at other waterbodies in the state;
  • Created a voluntary database to help inform water managers on contamination status and improve access to waterways; and
  • Identified alternative funding sources beyond recreational boater fees to help fund invasive species prevention and control.
NMMA is disappointed in the Senate committee's decision, as stopping the spread of the Golden Mussel and maintaining boating access has been a top priority for NMMA and the recreational boating industry in California. NMMA appreciates the leadership of Assembly Member Papan, Chair of the Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee and 10 bipartisan legislators who authored the bill on behalf of the recreational boating industry, to promote these worthy solutions.
The spread of Golden Mussels - an aquatic invasive species - in California has caused agencies to severely limit or close boater access at several public waterways in California. NMMA strongly supports measures that balance preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species and maintaining access to public waterways for the hundreds of thousands of Californians who boat each year.

NMMA will continue to urge California policymakers to enact commonsense measures that protect access and reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species. Please contact Clay Crabtree, NMMA's Interim Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations, at [email protected].

NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. published this content on August 21, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 21, 2026 at 05:21 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]