The bill amends RCW 77.15.135 to enhance penalties for the unlawful sale and distribution of covered animal species parts and products. It clarifies that it is illegal to sell or distribute these items unless specific conditions are met, such as the item being part of a bona fide antique over 100 years old, intended for educational or scientific purposes, or authorized by federal law. The bill also specifies that the penalties for unlawful trafficking in species threatened with extinction are categorized into two degrees based on the market value of the items involved, with the second degree being a gross misdemeanor and the first degree classified as a class C felony.

Additionally, the bill increases the criminal wildlife penalty assessment from $2,000 to $4,000 for violations, with a requirement that 50% of the collected funds be transferred to the University of Washington's center for environmental forensic science. The bill mandates that if multiple individuals are convicted, the penalty assessment applies jointly and severally. It also stipulates that the penalty must be doubled for first-degree violations and requires the director to provide annual reports on enforcement activities related to wildlife trafficking.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 77.15.135