Senate committee advances bill to restore statewide wildlife coexistence program amid rancher concerns
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Summary
The Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee advanced SB 1135, which would reestablish a Department of Fish and Wildlife program to reduce human‑wildlife conflict with nonlethal tools; supporters cited rising incident reports while ranching groups pressed for practicability and compensation safeguards.
Senator Blake Spear introduced SB 1135 to reestablish a California Wildlife Coexistence Program in the Department of Fish and Wildlife aimed at reducing human‑wildlife conflicts through nonlethal, species‑specific strategies.
Supporters told the committee the program — which operated for three years before losing funding in 2024 — focused regional staff on outreach and technical assistance. "A statewide wildlife coexistence program like established by SB 1135 could have saved Blondie's life," Jennifer Fearing of the National Wildlife Federation said, citing a recent case in which a black bear killed after repeated human interactions. Pamela Flick of Defenders of Wildlife added, "Grey wolves are native to California and they belong here," urging investment in prevention tools such as fladry, guardian dogs and conflict reporting hotlines.
Opponents raised concerns about parts of the bill governing wolf‑livestock coexistence and compensation. Kirk Wilbur of the California Cattlemen's Association told the committee, "We are currently opposed to this measure unless it is amended," and proposed language to ensure a practicability test and to protect compensation for verified livestock losses. Stephen Fenaroli of the California Farm Bureau echoed concerns about the feasibility of some nonlethal deterrents in rugged terrain and said recent CDFW workshops have helped frame solutions.
Committee members questioned how the bill would ensure reimbursement for both direct losses and indirect impacts such as fence damage and herd disruption. Sponsors and the author said CDFW is conducting evaluation workshops that address three prongs — confirmed/probable direct losses, reimbursement for nonlethal tools, and indirect losses — and pledged further public meetings and surveys to inform program design.
The committee moved SB 1135 to the Appropriations Committee (motion noted by the chair). The bill record shows the item placed "on call" in committee pending further work and potential amendments.
What's next: SB 1135 will go to the Appropriations Committee for further review and possible amendment; stakeholders on both sides said negotiations are ongoing and that CDFW workshops will inform final program details.
