Supervisors instruct staff to draft board letter on AB 53, urge inclusion in tribal/state land conversations

The Del Norte County Board directed staff to prepare a letter from the full board regarding Assembly Bill 53 after supervisors expressed concern about recent amendments to the bill and how they might affect local and state land transfers.

Supervisor Joyce Howard described the changes as a "gut amend" and said county leaders and tribal partners have been engaged in active conversations; she sought a new letter that acknowledges the removal of a transfer provision (section 4) but reiterates the county’s interest in being included in discussions and opposing any attempt to reinsert land‑transfer language. "We want to be part of the conversation," Supervisor Howard said.

Supervisor Starkey and others supported drafting the letter and adding explicit language opposing any effort to reinstate land‑transfer provisions. The board moved, seconded and voted unanimously to have staff prepare the letter and to authorize follow‑up by county lobbyists and staff as the bill moves through appropriations and the Senate process.