Senator Cortese’s SB 1250 Heads to the Governor, Puts California on Track to Stop Deadly Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions

SACRAMENTO, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) today announced that his Senate Bill 1250 (SB 1250), legislation to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve wildlife connectivity across California, has cleared the California Legislature and is now headed to the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature. 

The measure establishes a statewide framework to address one of California's most dangerous and growing roadway safety challenges: collisions between vehicles and wildlife. SB 1250 strengthens coordination between transportation agencies, wildlife experts, and local stakeholders to identify high-risk areas and support solutions that protect motorists while preserving critical wildlife corridors.

“Too many Californians have paid the price when wildlife and vehicles collide, Lives lost, families devastated, and animals killed. We have the knowledge and technology to prevent these tragedies, and we cannot afford to keep treating them as inevitable. SB 1250 puts prevention first. It means building safer roads, protecting wildlife corridors, and making sure California’s transportation system works for both people and the natural environment. Now it’s time for the Governor to sign this bill and turn smart planning into action,” said Senator Dave Cortese. 

California experiences thousands of wildlife-vehicle collisions annually, creating significant safety risks, costly vehicle damage, and devastating impacts on wildlife populations. These collisions are especially prevalent in areas where major transportation routes intersect with important wildlife movement corridors.

SB 1250 advances a more coordinated approach by supporting the identification of wildlife crossing locations, improving data collection, and encouraging transportation planning that incorporates wildlife connectivity into future infrastructure investments. The legislation builds on successful wildlife crossing efforts throughout California and helps ensure that new transportation projects consider both public safety and ecological needs.

“Wildlife need protected open spaces and they need connections between them, otherwise it doesn’t work. Good transportation planning and collaboration between agencies is crucial to making that happen, which is why the Open Space Authority is so grateful to Senator Cortese for SB1250,”  said Marc Landgraf, Assistant General Manager, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.

“By treating wildlife crossings as core infrastructure, SB 1250 ensures that projects like Midpen’s Highway 17 Wildlife Crossing can continue to protect Bay Area drivers and species like our threatened local mountain lion population for years to come,” said Ana Maria Ruiz, General Manager for Midpeninsula Regional Open Space. 

"At VTA, we recognize wildlife crossing projects demonstrate how thoughtful planning can improve roadway safety, protect critical wildlife habitat, and create lasting benefits for our communities. With Senate Bill 1250 establishing wildlife connectivity as a statewide transportation priority, VTA is proud to be leading the way that benefit both people and the environment through these transportation infrastructure projects,” said Carolyn Gonot, VTA General Manager. 

As Chair of the California Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Cortese has prioritized transportation policies that improve safety, strengthen infrastructure resilience, and prepare California's transportation network for the future. SB 1250 reflects that commitment by addressing a safety challenge at the intersection of transportation, conservation, and climate resilience.

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

Contact:

Mario B. Lopez, Communications Director

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Phone: 408-545-8205 | Email: Mario.lopez@sen.ca.gov 

For Scheduling Media Requests: 

Natasha Waxman, Executive Assistant 

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15 

Email: Natasha.waxman@sen.ca.gov 

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