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WashingtonSB 50652025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Prohibiting the use of certain animals in traveling animal acts.

Sponsored By: Marko Liias (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Traveling shows can’t use elephants or big cats

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington bans traveling animal acts from using elephants, big cats (not house cats), nonhuman primates, or bears. A traveling animal act means animals are moved to or between locations and perform for a live audience, like circuses, fairs, parades, rides, or petting zoos. It also covers animals kept in trucks, trailers, or rail cars while on the road. The rule applies to any person or company that arranges, permits, or runs these shows.

Criminal penalties and tighter local limits

Beginning July 27, 2025, letting a covered animal perform in a traveling act is a gross misdemeanor in Washington. Cities and counties can pass rules that are stricter than the state law. Operators and workers who violate state or local rules face criminal charges and higher compliance risk.

Licensed permanent zoos and facilities exempt

Beginning July 27, 2025, the ban does not apply if both are true: the show is at a nonmobile, permanent facility licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, and that same facility runs the show. Licensed permanent zoos and similar fixed sites can continue such performances. The exemption is narrow and does not cover traveling shows.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Marko Liias

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Deborah Krishnadasan

    Democratic • Senate

  • Derek Stanford

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jessica Bateman

    Democratic • Senate

  • John Lovick

    Democratic • Senate

  • Marcus Riccelli

    Democratic • Senate

  • Noel Frame

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rebecca Saldaña

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 95 • No: 51

House vote • 4/9/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 65 • No: 32 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 2/7/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 30 • No: 19

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/22/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 116, 2025 Laws.

    4/22/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/17/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/15/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/14/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 65; nays, 32; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/9/2025Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/9/2025Senate

  9. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/8/2025Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/28/2025Senate

  11. CS - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/27/2025Senate

  12. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/27/2025Senate

  13. CS - Majority; do pass.

    3/27/2025Senate

  14. Referred to Community Safety.

    3/6/2025Senate

  15. Committee relieved of further consideration.

    3/6/2025Senate

  16. First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.

    2/11/2025Senate

  17. Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    2/7/2025Senate

  18. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/7/2025Senate

  19. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    2/7/2025Senate

  20. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    1/29/2025Senate

  21. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    1/17/2025Senate

  22. Minority; without recommendation.

    1/16/2025Senate

  23. Minority; do not pass.

    1/16/2025Senate

  24. LAW - Majority; do pass.

    1/16/2025Senate

  25. First reading, referred to Law & Justice.

    1/13/2025Senate

Bill Text

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