State • California

SB 963: California Coastal Act of 1976: coastal development permits: appeal: de novo review.

John LairdIntroduced

SB 963 status: Introduced — In Senate. Ordered to engrossing and enrolling (updated Jul 2, 2026).

1

What this bill does

Overall score

Score70/100 civic fit
RiskLow risk
ImpactHigh impact

Bill summary

Official

Existing law establishes in the Natural Resources Agency the California Coastal Commission. Existing law requires the commission to have the primary responsibility for the implementation of the California Coastal Act of 1976 and designates it as the state coastal zone planning and management agency, as provided. Existi...

Key analysis

Constitutionality80%
Bipartisan60%
Public opinion65%
2

Impact analysis

Environment

Positive Outlook
85%

Benefits

  • Strengthens the California Coastal Act's appeal process.
  • Ensures de novo review for substantial issues on coastal development permits.
  • Clarifies requirements for submitting appeals.

Risks

  • No direct environmental risk identified

Economy

Mixed / Neutral
50%

Benefits

  • May streamline the appeals process for some projects.
  • Provides clearer timelines for permit reviews.

Risks

  • Potential for increased administrative burden on the commission.
  • Extended review periods could delay development.

Society

Positive Outlook
60%

Benefits

  • Enhances public participation in coastal development decisions.
  • Increases transparency in the permitting process.

Risks

  • No direct social risk identified
3

How trustworthy & consequential it is

Source

LegiScan

Confidence

high

high

Analysis status

LegiScan full bill text

Warning

The effectiveness of the de novo review process depends on the commission's determination of 'substantial issue'.

Limitation

The bill amends existing sections of the Public Resources Code; full context of surrounding statutes may be necessary for complete understanding.

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Where it stands

1

Introduced

Current

In Senate. Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.

2

Committee

Upcoming
3

Floor

Upcoming
4

Governor

Upcoming
5

Enacted

Upcoming
5

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6

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