Wildlife grants: Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement program.

Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez proposes modifications to California's Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program that would increase financial incentives for private landowners who make their land available for wildlife-dependent recreation. The legislation raises compensation caps from $30 to $52 per acre, or from $50 to $87 per public participant per day, with annual inflation adjustments starting in 2026.

The bill requires, rather than merely authorizes, the Department of Fish and Wildlife to provide grants to nonprofit organizations and other entities when necessary for program implementation. It allows the department to reimburse organizations and landowners for program-related services while maintaining existing protections regarding liability waivers and restrictions on taking nongame species.

The Director of Fish and Wildlife must submit a report to the Legislature by October 1, 2029, analyzing program changes, including data on landowner participation, recreational opportunities, funding sources and expenditures, outreach efforts, and hunter/angler engagement. The amendments contain sunset provisions, with key sections repealing on January 1, 2031, at which time compensation rates would revert to previous levels unless renewed by future legislation.