119th (2025–2027)
S. 3194
This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to study whether a region of California should be officially designated as the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area. The study would cover Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo counties, as well as any nearby areas that share similar historical or cultural characteristics. In conducting the study, the Secretary must consult with the State of California, local governments and organizations, federally recognized Tribal governments, nonprofits, and groups like the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership. The study would follow existing federal standards used to evaluate potential National Heritage Areas under title 54 of the U.S. Code. The bill does not create the heritage area itself or provide funding for programs there; it simply authorizes the research needed to determine if such a designation would be appropriate.