SB 839: Oil spills: fishing: water closure: grants: liability.

This bill aims to amend laws related to oil spills in California. It would allow the director of fish and wildlife to close certain waters to the take of fish or shellfish after a notification of a spill or discharge, but only if a public health threat exists or is likely to exist. The bill would also require the director to initiate consultation with the office of environmental health hazard assessment within 24 hours of notification, and would authorize the office to seek reimbursement for costs incurred. The bill would also provide grants to federally recognized tribes and other public entities for oil spill response equipment, and would remove exemptions from liability for responsible parties for damages caused by spills from private pleasure boats or vessels. Finally, the bill would provide that no reimbursement is required for certain costs incurred by local agencies and school di…