Legislative Science Services
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, Science Officer
kevin.travis@oceansciencetrust.org
Policy Roundups
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.
The California Legislature is currently out of session and so is the California Ocean Bill Tracker! The complete list of bills from the previous 2023-2024 session can be found here. Please check back January 2025 for early bill introductions on ocean and coastal priorities in the 2025-2026 session.