Legislative Science Services

Bringing Science to Lawmaking

We provide scientific advice to lawmakers in the California Legislature to help them make informed decisions about healthy oceans and coasts.

Strengthening Access to Actionable Science for Lawmakers

Building on two decades of success in providing science advice to California’s government agencies, in early 2021, OST launched a new program to bring science directly to California lawmakers, expanding the impact of our work towards a healthy and productive coast and ocean.

Filling a Critical Gap

Since its launch, the Legislative Science Services Program has established a reputation as an objective broker of science information and advice supporting members, committees, and their staff. We provide both proactive information delivery on issues the research community identified as critical, such as the kelp loss crisis, and engagement responsive to emerging policy priorities, such as offshore wind and marine carbon dioxide removal. Key to our success in building a vibrant relationship between science and lawmaking is providing policy-relevant and solution-focused advice.

Our services include:

Rapid response to science topic requests from legislative staff and members, including science summary memos and connections to experts.
Formal briefings, small-group briefings, and informal events on topics of interest.
Technical feedback on bill ideas.
Proactive science delivery on issues reflecting the nexus between legislative priorities, emerging science, and actively unfolding executive policy issues.

If you are a member or staff with a question about ocean and coastal science, please contact the Legislative Science Services program.

Contact

Kiya Bibby, Senior Science Officer
kiya.bibby@oceansciencetrust.org

Kevin Travis, Senior Science Officer
kevin.travis@oceansciencetrust.org

Read our 2023 reflections and plans for the next two years

Policy Roundups

2024 Summer Roundup
2024 End-of-Session Roundup

The California Ocean Bill Tracker

Stay up to date with the 2025–2026 Legislative Session

Sorted to meet your priorities and needs, The California Ocean Bill Tracker serves as a first-of-its-kind resource for the broader scientific community in California to stay informed on legislative policies impacting the future of our coast and ocean.

Climate Bonds & Investments

Fisheries & Aquaculture

Resilience & Conservation

Ocean-based Climate Mitigation

Water Quality & Pollution

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