Committee advances bill to require OHV safety and stewardship certification

Assemblymember Wilson presented AB 16 13, which would require a self‑guided off‑highway vehicle (OHV) safety and stewardship course as a condition of accessing designated public OHV lands starting in 2029.

Jane Ortega, president of the California Outdoor Recreation Foundation, and Amy Granite of the Sierra Access Coalition described a rapid increase in OHV sales and participation since 2020 and said the bill grew from four statewide safety summits. Ortega said the program would equip new and experienced riders to operate safely and protect public lands; Granite added it aims to reduce accidents and environmental impacts.

Supporters included state parks partners, the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts, and other recreation and safety groups. The committee passed the measure to the Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife.