The Office of Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick announces that Senate Bill 1305 — commonly referred to as the grizzly bear study bill — passed out of committee last month, raising significant concerns for communities across Northern California. Hadwick said she continues to voice strong concerns about the potential impacts of future grizzly bear reintroduction, particularly in regions already facing growing predator pressures and limited resources.
She emphasized that public safety, community well-being and practical, science-based wildlife management must remain the top priorities before any consideration of reintroduction efforts moves forward. While acknowledging and respecting the deep cultural significance of the grizzly bear to California’s tribal communities, Hadwick noted the current imbalance in wildlife management and the challenges already facing rural areas.
Hadwick’s office said an April 7 hearing brought forward strong advocacy from North State leaders and stakeholders, including Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher, Lassen County Sheriff Jon McGarva, Trinity County Sheriff Tim Saxon, El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue and California Cattlemen’s Association President Rick Roberti, who lives in Plumas County. These leaders spoke to the real-world impacts of predator management on rural communities.
“The grizzly bear is a powerful symbol of California’s history, but today’s policy decisions must reflect the realities on the ground in rural communities — not just symbolism,” said Hadwick. “For those of us living and working in rural regions, it raises serious and immediate concerns.”
She mentioned the community impacts of growing predator populations, including wolves, and the strain they place on livestock, public safety and local economies. “State agencies are stretched thin, response times are long and existing compensation and management programs are falling short,” said Hadwick. “Reintroducing another apex predator without first addressing these challenges would place additional pressure on a system that is already struggling to keep up.”
Hadwick said she appreciates the ongoing conversations and the amendments that have been made. She said her team has helped facilitate discussions with stakeholders, the author and tribal partners, and she remains “committed to continuing that dialogue.”
SB 1305 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Hadwick encourages community members to make their voices heard by submitting a letter to the committee through the state’s advocacy portal. “Your input is critical to ensuring these conversations are grounded in the real impacts facing our rural communities,” she said.
More information about using the portal is available in a quick reference sheet.
Sen. Megan Dahle is also asking for community input on SB 1305. “I welcome hearing the views of all,” she said.
Dahle encourages her constituents to take a short survey to share their views.
