Tomorrow marks the first day of the Washington legislative session, and with it, the wolf bill HB 1311 is back in focus. This bill did not go away and it remains active in the current 2025–26 legislative session.
HB 1311 is scheduled for an executive session Tuesday in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 8:00 AM.
This bill follows WDFW staff recommendations from the 2024 Wolf Periodic Status Review (PSR), which concluded that the current statewide “threatened” classification for gray wolves is no longer appropriate. The bill proposes reclassifying wolves as a “sensitive” species, as was recommended by WDFW biologists, but was rejected by activist Commissioners following the lead of animal rights NGO allies. If this bill is passed wolves would remain protected from unlawful take, harassment, and hunting, while allowing increased management flexibility in regions experiencing high wolf densities and repeated conflicts. The “sensitive” designation would be reviewed again in two years, with the classification adjusted based on updated population data.
This legislation is about recognizing the recovery benchmarks in multiple regions and adapting wolf management to fit reality. Where we currently sit there is a growing burden on rural communities, livestock producers, and local wildlife populations and it’s time for that to change. It’s time for the restore balance and empower the most affected.
As this bill continues through the legislative process, engagement from sportsmen-conservationists, agricultural producers, and rural residents will be essential because the antis will be fighting this will all they have. Contact your legislators in support of this bill by Tuesday by heading to the bill summary link or use this contact lost to reach committee members:
Contact the Committee-
Committee Chair Kristine Reeves (D-Dist. 30) – kristine.reeves@leg.wa.gov, 360-786-7830
Ranking Member Tom Dent (R-Dist. 13) – tom.dent@leg.wa.gov, 360-786-7932
Melanie Morgan (D-Dist. 29) – melanie.morgan@leg.wa.gov, 360- 786-7906
Greg Nance (D-Dist. 23) – greg.nance@leg.wa.gov, 360-786-7842
Adison Richards (D-Dist. 26) – adison.richards@leg.wa.gov
Adam Bernbaum (D-Dist. 24) – adam.bernbaum@leg.wa.gov, 360-786-7916
Larry Springer (D-Dist. 45) – larry.springer@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7822
Andrew Engell (R-Dist. 7) – andrew.engell@leg.wa.gov, 360-786-7908
Stephanie McClintock (R-Dist. 18) – stephanie.mcclintock@leg.wa.gov, 360-786-7850
Ed Orcutt (R-Dist. 20) – ed.orcutt@leg.wa.gov, 306-786-7844
Joe Schmick (D-Dist. 9) – joe.schmick@leg.wa.gov, 360-786-7844
Bill summary:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1311...
Full bill text:
https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/.../House%20Bills/1311.pdf
