Bill orders study on Monterey Bay national heritage area designation
Placed on the calendarS. 3194Latest action
Sponsor: Alex Padilla · Senator · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
The bill authorizes only a federal study on designating a Monterey Bay National Heritage Area, not the designation itself.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to study whether an area around Monterey Bay, California, should become a National Heritage Area. The study would cover Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo counties, plus nearby areas with similar historical or cultural traits. It does not create the heritage area itself.
Who does it affect?
Residents, local governments, and organizations in the four named California counties, along with the Secretary of the Interior, who must consult the State of California, local governments, tribal governments, nonprofits, and business groups like the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership.
Why does it matter?
The study could inform a future congressional decision on creating a heritage area, which might later lead to new tourism, preservation, and economic development programs, but the bill itself does not change any laws, land use, or funding.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Reported to Senate” text of Sep 17, 2026.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedNov 18, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate voteYou are here · Sep 17, 2026
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 646.