Bill Allows Eminent Domain to Open Beaches

How did we get here?

• Picture an open beach that surfers enjoy in Northern California
• A billionaire buys the property and closes the beach
• Legal disputes wind through state agencies, state courts, and federal courts
• Other beach access came into the picture, including ranch land with beach access
• IN 2018 Gov. vetoed a softer version of the bill
• 2019, Gov. Newsom signs AB 1680 (2019 | CA)

What does AB 1680 do?

• Provides public access for coastline
• Creates a crime for blocking beach access
• Grants Coastal Conservancy and States Lands Commission eminent domain authority to be used expeditiously to create boundary lines for beach access

LA Times | Newsom signs bill to open Hollister Ranch beaches to the public