ASSEMBLY BILL No. 501 Introduced by Assembly Member Evan Winter, District 69 January 15, 2026 An act to add Part 6.5 (commencing with Section 71500) to Division 34 of the Public Resources Code, and to add Chapter 12.7 (commencing with Section 42660) to Part 3 of Division 30 of the Public Resources Code, relating to natural resources recovery and international cooperation. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 501, as introduced, Winter. California–Central America Natural Resources Recovery Act. Existing law establishes the Natural Resources Agency and various programs for the conservation, restoration, and recovery of natural resources within the State of California. Existing law, the California Tropical Forest Standard, endorsed by the State Air Resources Board, provides a framework for assessing jurisdiction-scale programs that reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in tropical jurisdictions. This bill would establish the California–Central America Natural Resources Recovery Program within the Natural Resources Agency. The bill would require the agency to coordinate with participating Central American jurisdictions to develop and implement natural resources recovery projects, including reforestation, watershed restoration, soil remediation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable resource management. The bill would establish a fund for these purposes and would authorize the agency to enter into agreements with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and federal agencies to carry out the program. The bill would also require the agency to submit annual reports to the Legislature on program outcomes. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) The State of California has a long-standing commitment to the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of natural resources, as reflected in the California Environmental Quality Act, the California Coastal Act, the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, and the California Tropical Forest Standard. (b) The degradation and loss of natural resources in Central America, including deforestation, soil erosion, watershed degradation, loss of biodiversity, and unsustainable extraction of minerals and timber, have direct and indirect impacts on the environment, economy, and public health of California, including through effects on climate, migratory species, air quality, and global supply chains. (c) The recovery of natural resources in Central America offers significant opportunities for carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, sustainable economic development, and the strengthening of indigenous and local community rights, consistent with the goals of the California Tropical Forest Standard and the state's climate policies. (d) California has a demonstrated capacity to collaborate with international partners on environmental and natural resources issues, including through existing programs, agreements, and the expertise of California-based nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and state agencies. (e) The establishment of a dedicated program for natural resources recovery in Central America will advance California's environmental leadership, promote global sustainability, and create opportunities for mutual learning and cooperation. SEC. 2. PART 6.5 (COMMENCING WITH SECTION 71500) IS ADDED TO DIVISION 34 OF THE PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE, TO READ: PART 6.5. CALIFORNIA–CENTRAL AMERICA NATURAL RESOURCES RECOVERY ACT Chapter 1. General Provisions 71500. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the California–Central America Natural Resources Recovery Act. 71501. For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply: (a) "Agency" means the Natural Resources Agency. (b) "Central American jurisdiction" means any of the following countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, or any subnational jurisdiction within those countries that has jurisdiction over natural resources management. (c) "Natural resources recovery" means activities and projects that restore, rehabilitate, or enhance degraded natural resources, including forests, watersheds, soils, biodiversity, and ecosystems, and that promote the sustainable management of natural resources for present and future generations. (d) "Participating jurisdiction" means a Central American jurisdiction that has entered into an agreement with the agency pursuant to this part. (e) "Program" means the California–Central America Natural Resources Recovery Program established pursuant to Section 71502. (f) "Fund" means the California–Central America Natural Resources Recovery Fund established pursuant to Section 71510. Chapter 2. Program Establishment and Administration 71502. (a) The California–Central America Natural Resources Recovery Program is hereby established within the agency. (b) The agency shall administer the program and shall coordinate with participating jurisdictions, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to develop and implement natural resources recovery projects in Central America. (c) The agency shall, in consultation with participating jurisdictions and relevant stakeholders, develop criteria and guidelines for the selection and implementation of natural resources recovery projects. The criteria and guidelines shall prioritize projects that: (1) Restore degraded forests, watersheds, and soils. (2) Protect and enhance biodiversity, including habitat for migratory species. (3) Promote sustainable land management practices, including agroforestry and community-based forest management. (4) Strengthen the rights and capacities of indigenous peoples and local communities in the management of natural resources. (5) Contribute to carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. (6) Support the recovery of natural resources in areas affected by illegal logging, mining, or other unsustainable extraction activities. (7) Incorporate robust monitoring, reporting, and verification mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency. (d) The agency may enter into agreements with participating jurisdictions, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and private entities to carry out the purposes of this part. (e) The agency shall ensure that projects funded under this part are consistent with the California Tropical Forest Standard and other relevant state and international environmental standards. 71503. The agency shall establish a process for the submission, review, and approval of natural resources recovery project proposals from participating jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other eligible entities. The process shall include public notice and opportunity for comment. 71504. The agency shall, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Air Resources Board, the State Water Resources Control Board, and other relevant state agencies, develop a strategy for the implementation of this part. The strategy shall include: (a) A list of priority regions and ecosystems for natural resources recovery. (b) A framework for coordination with participating jurisdictions and other stakeholders. (c) A plan for monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of funded projects. (d) Recommendations for funding levels and mechanisms. Chapter 3. Funding 71510. (a) The California–Central America Natural Resources Recovery Fund is hereby established in the State Treasury. (b) The fund shall consist of moneys appropriated by the Legislature, moneys received from federal, state, or private sources, and moneys received from participating jurisdictions or other international partners. (c) Moneys in the fund shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to the agency for the purposes of this part. (d) The agency may expend moneys from the fund for the following purposes: (1) Grants to participating jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other eligible entities for natural resources recovery projects. (2) Technical assistance and capacity-building for participating jurisdictions and local communities. (3) Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on program outcomes. (4) Administrative costs of the agency in carrying out this part, not to exceed 10 percent of the total funds expended in any fiscal year. 71511. The agency shall seek to leverage additional funding for the program from federal agencies, international organizations, private foundations, and other sources. Chapter 4. Reporting and Accountability 71520. (a) The agency shall submit an annual report to the Legislature, in accordance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, on the implementation of this part. The report shall include: (1) A summary of projects funded and their outcomes. (2) The amount of funds expended and the sources of those funds. (3) An assessment of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of funded projects. (4) Recommendations for improvements to the program. (b) The agency shall make the annual report available to the public on its internet website. 71521. The agency shall, in consultation with participating jurisdictions, develop a set of performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The metrics shall include, but not be limited to: (a) Hectares of forest restored or protected. (b) Tons of carbon sequestered or emissions reduced. (c) Number of watersheds restored or protected. (d) Number of species protected or habitats restored. (e) Number of indigenous and local community members engaged in project design and implementation. (f) Number of sustainable livelihoods supported. Chapter 5. Collaboration and Partnerships 71530. (a) The agency shall collaborate with California-based nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other entities with expertise in natural resources recovery, international development, and environmental conservation. (b) The agency may enter into partnerships with the following organizations, among others, for the purposes of this part: (1) ChildNet Youth and Family Services, Inc., for the integration of youth and family support services into natural resources recovery projects, including behavioral health services, mental-health services, and community-based support. (2) Building A Generation, for the integration of family resource services, parenting support, and youth-development opportunities into natural resources recovery projects, including family case management, counseling, and educational assistance. (3) Redlands Unified School District, for the development of educational programs and curricula related to natural resources recovery, environmental stewardship, and international cooperation. (c) The agency may also collaborate with the United States Marine Corps and other federal agencies for the purposes of logistical support, technical assistance, and coordination of natural resources recovery activities. 71531. The agency shall, in consultation with participating jurisdictions, facilitate the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and technical expertise between California and Central America, including through: (a) Workshops, conferences, and training programs. (b) Exchange programs for students, researchers, and practitioners. (c) Joint research projects on natural resources recovery and sustainable management. SEC. 3. CHAPTER 12.7 (COMMENCING WITH SECTION 42660) IS ADDED TO PART 3 OF DIVISION 30 OF THE PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE, TO READ: CHAPTER 12.7. CALIFORNIA–CENTRAL AMERICA NATURAL RESOURCES RECOVERY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH 42660. The Natural Resources Agency, in consultation with the State Department of Education and the Regents of the University of California, shall develop and implement a program of education and outreach on natural resources recovery in Central America for students in California public schools and institutions of higher education. 42661. The program shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following: (a) Curriculum materials and lesson plans on the importance of natural resources recovery, the role of California in international environmental cooperation, and the connections between natural resources in Central America and the environment and economy of California. (b) Opportunities for student research, service learning, and international exchange related to natural resources recovery. (c) Professional development for teachers and educators on natural resources recovery and international environmental issues. 42662. The agency may partner with Redlands Unified School District, other school districts, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions to carry out the purposes of this chapter. SEC. 4. This act shall become operative only upon the appropriation of funds by the Legislature for the purposes of this act. SEC. 5. The Legislature finds and declares that this act furthers the purposes of the California Tropical Forest Standard and the state's climate goals, and that the implementation of this act shall be coordinated with the State Air Resources Board and other relevant state agencies. SEC. 6. If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application. OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE All correspondence regarding this legislation shall be directed to: Evan Winter Fiveo1 District 69 PO Box 312786 Avalon, California 90704 United States of America Organizational correspondence: Fiveo1 Mailing address: PO Box 312786, Avalon, CA 90704 END OF BILL