This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to study whether the Monterey Bay area in California qualifies for designation as a National Heritage Area. The study will examine Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo counties, plus any nearby California areas with similar heritage characteristics, to determine if the region meets federal criteria for this designation. The Secretary will conduct the study in consultation with the State of California, local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations. The legislation does not specify funding amounts or study deadlines but requires the study to follow existing federal procedures outlined in the National Heritage Area law. If the study determines the area is suitable and feasible for designation, a subsequent action would be needed to formally establish the National Heritage Area.