Senate Bill (SB) 1305, authored by Sen. Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood), would require the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to develop a publicly available roadmap evaluating whether—and under what conditions—reintroduction of grizzly bears is both feasible and advisable. Previous study on viabilityThe legislation follows a 200-page feasibility study published in 2025 by the California Grizzly Research Network, a coalition of scientists, Tribal leaders and conservationists. The report concluded that California still contains sufficient habitat to support grizzly bears, although researchers emphasized that any reintroduction would ultimately depend on public acceptance. The California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), California Farm Bureau and California State Beekeepers Association oppose SB 1305, arguing the state should focus on managing existing wildlife conflicts before considering the return of another apex predator. The groups said the proposal raises concerns about ecological feasibility, public safety, wildlife management priorities and the long-term costs of reintroducing grizzly bears to California.