SB 1305: Wildlife: bears.

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 for the reintroduction of grizzly bears in California and would require the roadmap be developed consistent with, and include, among other things, a scientific assessment based on the best available data, as specified, and a consultation with California Native American tribes, as specified. The bill would also require the department, by June 30, 2028, to submit the roadmap document to relevant budget and policy committees of the Legislature, the Legislative Analysts 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, a scientific determination regarding the biological and ecological viability of establishing a self-sustaining grizzly population in the state, and a consultation with California Native American tribes and engagement with communities, as specified.