WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1397

Mountain Lions: human-mountain lion conflicts program: scientific research.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marie Alvarado-Gil

Creates a time-limited statewide program for nonlethal containment of human-mountain lion conflicts, emphasizing research, outreach, and local coordination.

From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (June 30).
#mountainlions #human-mountainlionconflictsprogram #scientificresearch
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1397

Summary of SB 1397 (2025-2026) – California Mountain Lions: Human-Mountain Lion Conflicts Program, Scientific Research

Purpose and Intent

SB 1397, sponsored by Senator Alvarado-Gil, seeks to strengthen California’s approach to human-mountain lion conflicts. It would create and codify a dedicated, time-limited statewide program within the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to address public health and safety concerns arising from increased mountain lion activity, particularly in El Dorado County and surrounding areas. The bill emphasizes nonlethal conflict mitigation, ongoing scientific research, public outreach, and enhanced coordination with local communities. The measures are designed to be consistent with, and expansive of, existing protections under Proposition 117 (the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990). The provisions would expire on January 1, 2033, with required reporting and annual hearings through 2034, and a formal sunset thereafter.

Key Provisions

  • New and Repealed Code Sections (Fish and Game Code):

    • 4811: Establishes and directs the Department to maintain, enhance, and expand its human-mountain lion conflicts program, including public education, outreach on livestock/domestic animal protection, and development of best practices. Effective until Jan 1, 2033.
    • 4811.2: Directs continued and expanded scientific research to deter lions from entering communities and to reduce habituation to humans; requires consultation with the Department of Parks and Recreation and local agencies. Effective until Jan 1, 2033.
    • 4811.4: Requires ongoing community and local-leader engagement; department to attend public meetings in high-conflict counties and provide updates on program status and depredation permitting timelines. Effective until Jan 1, 2033.
    • 4811.6: Mandates annual status updates by the Director at a Senate/Assembly hearing through 2034; requires a detailed report to the Legislature by Oct 1, 2031 outlining program results, personnel, and recommendations. Provisions about reporting extend to Oct 1, 2035 inoperative date under Gov. Code 10231.5; section expires Jan 1, 2036.

  • Outreach and Coordination:

    • Public education on minimizing conflicts, including livestock protection measures and best practices.
    • Regular public updates at local government meetings in high-conflict counties.
    • Collaboration with local agencies to ensure legal and regulatory alignment.

  • Research and Methods:

    • Continued development and evaluation of nonlethal deterrence methods and strategies to prevent habituation to humans.
    • Evaluation of factors contributing to conflicts.

  • Reporting and Sunset:

    • A mandatory report to the Legislature by Oct 1, 2031.
    • Annual status updates to specified committees through 2034.
    • All provisions are temporary, sunsetting January 1, 2033 (with related reporting/oversight extending further as described).

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • State: California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) would implement the program, conduct research, and engage in outreach.
  • Public and Local Governments: Residents and local leaders in counties with high conflict (notably El Dorado) would receive ongoing updates, safer-habituation practices, and depredation-permitting information.
  • Wildlife and Livestock Stakeholders: Livestock owners and wildlife groups could rely on expanded nonlethal approaches and best practices to reduce encounters.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Introduced Feb 20, 2026; hearings and committee actions through 2026.
  • Sunset date: January 1, 2033, for core provisions; annual status hearings continue through 2034; reporting requirements tied to Government Code timelines (with a potential inoperative date of Oct 1, 2035 for the reporting obligation).
  • Requires consent and alignment with existing 1990 Wildlife Protection Act constraints (4/5 vote required for any changes to mountain lion statutes).

Overall, SB 1397 aims to institutionalize a proactive, research-informed, nonlethal-focused framework to reduce human-mountain lion conflicts while enhancing transparency and community engagement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.