(a) No governmental entity may condemn any wildlife conservation easement acquired by a state agency, except as provided in subdivision (b). As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) “Public use” as used in Article 6 (commencing with Section 1240.510) and Article 7 (commencing with Section 1240.610) of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure means privately owned lands managed for habitat in public trust.
(2) “Wildlife” has the same meaning as set forth in Section 89.5.
(3) “Wildlife conservation easement” means a recorded conservation easement, as defined in Section 815.1 of the Civil Code, that exists or will exist for at least 10 years and that is acquired and held by a state agency and administered primarily for the benefit of wildlife.
(b) Prior to the initiation by a governmental entity of condemnation proceedings against a wildlife conservation easement acquired by a state agency, the governmental entity shall give notice to the holder of the easement, provide an opportunity for the holder of the easement to consult with the governmental agency, provide the holder of the easement the opportunity to state its objections to the condemnation, and provide a response to the objections. Article 6 (commencing with Section 1240.510) and Article 7 (commencing with Section 1240.610) of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply to condemnation proceedings initiated by a governmental entity against a wildlife conservation easement acquired by a state agency. In those proceedings, the condemning governmental entity shall be required to prove by clear and convincing evidence that its proposed use satisfies the requirements of Article 6 (commencing with Section 1240.510) or Article 7 (commencing with Section 1240.610) of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 154, Sec. 36. (AB 1527) Effective January 1, 2016.)