The bill amends RCW 16.76.030 to establish the northeast Washington wolf-livestock management account as a nonappropriated account managed by the state treasurer. It specifies that all receipts, legislative appropriations, private donations, and other sources directed to the account must be deposited therein. Expenditures from the account are now designated for the deployment of nonlethal wolf deterrence resources, wolf-livestock management, and grants to the sheriffs' offices of Stevens and Ferry counties to support local wildlife specialists in managing wolves. The director is authorized to approve expenditures in consultation with an advisory board, and the account is subject to allotment procedures without requiring an appropriation.

Additionally, the bill removes a provision that limited the use of the account's funds to specific fiscal biennia, thereby allowing for more flexible and ongoing management of wolf-livestock interactions. The advisory board is also empowered to solicit and receive gifts and grants from various sources to support its objectives. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the management of wolf populations in northeast Washington while addressing the concerns of livestock owners.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 16.76.030