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WA HB1608

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/27/2025

Primary Sponsor

Strom Peterson

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Prohibits knowingly selling, possessing, transporting, or distributing any species of octopus produced through aquaculture (farming)
  • Expands on Washington's 2024 ban on octopus aquaculture by eliminating the market for farmed octopus products
  • Violations subject to civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense, enforceable by the attorney general through civil action in superior court
  • Applies to individuals, firms, partnerships, corporations, and associations
  • Justified by octopuses' high intelligence (tool use, problem-solving, observational learning) and capacity to experience emotions including fear, pain, and stress

Legislative Description

Concerning the selling, possessing, transporting, and distributing of farmed octopus.

Last Action

Referred to Rules 2 Review.

1/15/2026

Committee Referrals

Rules1/15/2026
Agriculture and Natural Resources1/27/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available