Hadwick reports Grizzly bear study bill advances amid North State concerns

This week, Senate Bill 1305 — commonly referred to as the “Grizzly Bear Study Bill” — passed out of committee, raising significant concerns for communities across Northern California according to a newsletter by Assemblywoman Hadwick.

The Assemblymember 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.

The 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 spoke to the real-world impacts of predator management on rural communities.

SB 1305 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Community members are encouraged to make their voices heard by submitting a letter to the committee through the state’s advocacy portal: https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/.