UPDATE 2/18/24: The hearing just ended. HB1976 received only favorable verbal testimony but dozens of people opposed the bill through the online system. USARK testified in favor with suggestions to make the end product better, such as a simpler postcard with basic information, QR code, and accompanying website, which the state already has through its Don’t Let It Loose resource. No vote occurred today.
House Bill 1976 had its first reading today and will require pet stores to provide a brochure with all animal and aquatic plant sales. The brochure, produced by the Washington Invasive Species Council, will include information about invasive species, the importance of not releasing animals, and what to do if you can no longer care for animals or aquatic plants.
This will provide education and resources to people buying animals and aquatic plants. If the brochure is done well, this could be a great effort that supports responsible animal ownership.
Read the bill and get full details at https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1976&Year=2025&Initiative=false.
HB1976 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources on February 18 at 10:30 a.m. Remote testimony is allowed. For full hearing details, visit https://app.leg.wa.gov/committeeschedules/Home/Agenda/32815.
Sample Letter (be civil and professional)
Submit comments by clicking HB1976, and “I want to submit written testimony†at https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi/House?selectedCommittee=31649&selectedMeeting=32815.
You can email the Committee Chair, Representative Kristine Reeves, at https://leg.wa.gov/legislators/member/kristine-reeves. You can find all Committee members at https://leg.wa.gov/about-the-legislature/committees/house-of-representatives/agnr/.
email list: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Ryan.O’[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Subject line: YES to HB1976
House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources Members,
I support House Bill 1976, which will require educational brochures to accompany animal and aquatic plant sales at pet stores. However, this brochure should be developed with stakeholders, and it would be nice to see options to accompany the brochures, such as a QR code that links to an informative website. That you and have a good day.
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