Captive wild animals: direct contact: prohibition.

Summary

The bill adds a new section to the Fish and Game Code that bars any member of the public from having direct contact with specified captive wild animals such as bears, elephants, non‑human primates and several other species. Exceptions are limited to owners, trained staff, veterinarians, law‑enforcement, agency employees, board members, trainees, and professional film crews, and contact at AZA‑accredited facilities. Violations trigger civil fines and immediate suspension or revocation of the animal’s restricted‑species permit, but no criminal penalties.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Hearings

• Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Hearing
  Water, Parks, and Wildlife · Apr 8, 2025

History

1. Feb 2, 2026From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2. Jan 31, 2026Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
3. Jan 12, 2026In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
4. Jan 8, 2026Assembly Rule 56 suspended. (Page 3717.)
5. Jan 8, 2026(Pending re-refer to Com. on A., E., S., & T.)
6. Jan 6, 2026Re-referred to Com. on W. P., & W.
7. Jan 5, 2026From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on W. P., & W. Read second time and amended.
8. Apr 8, 2025In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
9. Apr 2, 2025Re-referred to Com. on W. P., & W.
10. Apr 1, 2025From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on W. P., & W. Read second time and amended.
11. Mar 10, 2025Referred to Coms. on W. P., & W. and A.,E.,S., & T.
12. Feb 20, 2025From printer. May be heard in committee March 22.

The 12 most recent of 13 recorded actions.

Sponsors

• Schultz · sponsor

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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