SB 1305: Wildlife: bears.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law establishes the Department of Fish and Wildlife in the Natural Resources Agency. Under existing law, the department has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species.

This bill would require the department to develop and make publicly available a roadmap that evaluates whether, and under what conditions, reintroduction of the grizzly bear is feasible and advisable, and the extent to which the ecological functions once provided by the grizzly bear may be restored through human-mediated landscape restoration, including through reintroduction of the species. The bill would also require the department, by June 30, 2030, to submit the roadmap document to relevant budget and policy committees of the Legislature, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and the Fish and Game Commission. The bill would prohibit reintroduction of the grizzly bear in the state until the department or others have carried out various actions, including, among other things, completion of the roadmap, determinations, based on the best available science, that establishment of a self-sustaining grizzly population in the state is biologically viable, and a consultation with California Native American tribes and engagement with communities, as specified. The bill would make implementation of these provisions contingent upon an appropriation, except as specified.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 5

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. August 13, 2026August 13 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
2. August 5, 2026August 5 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.
3. July 2, 2026Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
4. July 1, 2026From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 2.) (June 30).
5. June 4, 2026Referred to Com. on W., P., & W.
6. May 27, 2026In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
7. May 27, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 29. Noes 9. Page 4500.) Ordered to the Assembly.
8. May 18, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
9. May 14, 2026Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
10. May 14, 2026From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 5. Noes 2. Page 4272.) (May 14).
11. May 8, 2026Set for hearing May 14.
12. May 4, 2026May 4 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.