SB 1397CALIFORNIASession 20252026

California SB 1397 expands mountain lion conflict programs and research

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

August 13, 2026

Mountain Lions Wildlife Management Public Safety Scientific Research California Wildlife Protection Act MountainLions human-mountainlionconflictsprogram scientificresearch

Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.

The Frame

What this does

This bill changes how the state manages mountain lion interactions in specific regions by formalizing nonlethal deterrent programs and requiring the Department of Fish and Wildlife to report on public safety outcomes to the Legislature.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Department of Fish and Wildlife

The department is tasked with implementing expanded conflict programs, research, and public outreach.

California residents in mountain lion habitats

Residents in specified regions will be subject to new public outreach activities and potential changes in mountain lion management procedures.

What changed

Last recorded activity August 13, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

SB 1397 requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to expand its human-mountain lion conflict program and research efforts to deter mountain lions from entering communities, contingent on legislative funding. The bill mandates public outreach, a legislative report by October 1, 2031, and expires on January 1, 2033.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Why It Matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the bill change regarding mountain lion management?

It mandates the expansion of existing nonlethal conflict programs and research into deterrent methods, whereas current law only permits these activities at the department's discretion.

When will these programs end?

The provisions of this bill are scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2033.

Is this bill guaranteed to take effect?

No, the expansion of the program is contingent upon an of funds by the Legislature.

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift90% confidence

Mandatory vs. Discretionary Management

The bill shifts the Department of Fish and Wildlife's role from having the 'permission' to conduct research and nonlethal procedures to a 'requirement' to maintain and expand these programs.

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Connected Entities

personDirector of Fish and Wildlife“Required to appear before legislative committees to provide status updates.”Map →

organizationDepartment of Fish and Wildlife“State agency responsible for implementing the human-mountain lion conflict progr”Map →

otherCalifornia Wildlife Protection Act of 1990“The foundational law classifying mountain lions as specially protected mammals.”Map →

Sources

Open source document

openstates.org

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance65
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy40
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment10
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz25
Current news / social attention level

Publisher tools