Day 33: Senate passes bill protecting grey wolves and gov't employees who protect them

The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5972, which would extend the expiration date of a statute regarding wildlife conflict resolution, specifically grey wolf protections in Washington State. The bill would extend the privacy of public employee information when involved with state wildlife issues, shielding employee personal information from the view of the public, to avoid direct harassment.

The bill passed the Senate 49-0 and would have to pass the House, in order to make its way to the Governor’s Office, for an opportunity to become law.

Brief Summary of Bill

Senate Bill Report Brief Summary

• Extends the expiration date for Public Records Act exemptions for certain personal identifying information of persons involved in preventative measures involving wolf interactions, as well as persons involved in reports of and responses to wolf depredations, from June 30, 2022, to June 30, 2027.

House Engrossed Bill Report Brief Summary

• Maintains until June 30, 2027, the exemption from public disclosure of certain personal identifying information of persons involved in preventative measures regarding wolf interactions that is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2022.

Learn more about SB 5972.