The bill addresses the significant challenges faced by shellfish farmers in Washington due to burrowing shrimp infestations, which have been exacerbated by the loss of effective pest control methods. The legislation establishes a new integrated pest management research program within the Washington State Department of Agriculture, aimed at developing innovative control methods for burrowing shrimp. This program will support research efforts, enhance collaboration among stakeholders, and provide permitting assistance for shellfish growers. The program's objectives include soliciting proposals from researchers, identifying funding mechanisms, and ensuring that research expenditures focus on effective control methods specifically for Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor.

Additionally, the bill creates a governing board to oversee the research program, comprising representatives from various state departments, shellfish growers, processors, and relevant organizations. This board will facilitate meetings, ensure transparency, and guide the expenditure of research funds. The governing board is tasked with meeting quarterly and establishing a consensus decision-making process for proposals related to the control of burrowing shrimp. Both the research program and the governing board are set to expire on July 1, 2035.