An act to add Section 425.16 to the Government Code, relating to state government.
Summary
AB 581 adds Section 425.16 to the Government Code to designate the bigberry manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca) as California’s official state shrub. The bill’s findings describe the plant as an iconic native species of the chaparral, emphasize its long presence in California’s landscape, and note its ecological role in watershed protection, erosion control, and wildlife food sources. The measure also highlights cultural and historical connections, including use by Native American communities and ties to the California grizzly bear and the state’s heritage.
The bill is largely symbolic and does not create a regulatory program, mandate, or appropriation. Its practical legal effect is to expand California’s list of official state emblems by adding a state shrub to the Government Code. It also serves an educational and commemorative purpose by formally recognizing a native plant species and its role in California’s natural environment.
Impact
AB 581 amends the Government Code by adding Section 425.16, which makes bigberry manzanita the official state shrub. The bill does not appear to alter substantive environmental, land use, or agricultural law, and the digest indicates no appropriation, fiscal committee impact, or local program effect. Its legal impact is limited to state symbolism and official nomenclature, joining existing state emblems such as the state flower, tree, and grass.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly well received and noncontroversial. It passed committee and floor votes unanimously, including 13-0 committee votes and 61-0 and 40-0 floor votes, and was placed on the consent calendar at one stage. The lack of recorded opposition or committee transcript discussion suggests general bipartisan support for the symbolic recognition of a native California plant.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available record. Because the bill is ceremonial and does not impose costs or regulatory requirements, there were no apparent disputes over fiscal effects, implementation, or policy tradeoffs. Any discussion likely centered on whether the bigberry manzanita was an appropriate species to represent California’s chaparral and native plant heritage, but the unanimous votes indicate no meaningful opposition from legislators.