HB 1696 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Increases penalties for the violation of certain fish and wildlife provisions.

Creates the fish and wildlife enforcement reward account in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from criminal wildlife penalty assessments under RCW 77.15.420 must be deposited into the account.

Provides that expenditures from the account may be used only for investigation and prosecution of fish and wildlife offenses, to provide rewards to persons informing the department about violations of Title 77 RCW and rules adopted under Title 77 RCW, and for other valid enforcement uses as determined by the commission. Only the director or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.