HB 1268 - DIGEST

Authorizes the establishment of an independent, nonprofit organization known as the orca research and conservation association to coordinate orca research and recovery efforts.

Directs the orca research and conservation association to seek to: (1) Conduct orca research activities to further scientific knowledge regarding orca populations, habitat needs, migration, and other factors impacting orca survival; and

(2) Coordinate state orca recovery efforts by working with state and federal stakeholders participating in orca recovery, including but not limited to the national marine fisheries service, the Puget Sound action team, the department of ecology, the department, and private organizations to ensure that private and government resources are used efficiently and effectively to recover orca populations.

Creates the orca research and conservation account in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from federal funds provided for orca research and recovery, private donations, and other moneys appropriated to the account by the legislature must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for orca research and recovery efforts.