Sea otter conservation fund returns to California tax forms after Newsom signs new bill
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a new Senate bill that will give taxpayers the option to direct a portion of their state income taxes toward sea otter conservation.
Sen. John Laird authored Senate Bill 575 to restore the California Sea Otter Voluntary Contribution Fund. The fund allows taxpayers to designate a portion of their taxes to support research, enforcement, public outreach and recovery efforts for southern sea otters through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Coastal Conservancy.
The fund was established in 2006 but ultimately failed to meet the minimum contribution threshold required to remain on the tax form. It ended in 2024.
“Sea otters are an iconic part of California’s coast and play an important role in keeping our nearshore ecosystems healthy,” Laird said. “Californians will once again have a simple, voluntary way to support the recovery of this important species and the coastal ecosystems that depend on it.”
The bill extends the fund through 2033. It must receive $250,000 in annual contributions to remain active. The bill does not increase taxes or create new fees, and all contributions are voluntary.
The bill will take effect at the start of 2027. The California Sea Otter Voluntary Contribution Fund will appear on 2026 state income tax returns.
Southern sea otters are listed as a threatened species and are considered a keystone species because they help maintain healthy kelp forest ecosystems.
Those ecosystems support marine biodiversity and contribute to the health of California’s coast.