House OKs bill to exempt some info about wolf attacks

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - The House has passed a bill that would exempt from public disclosure personal information about people who report or respond to wolf attacks in Washington state.

House Bill 1465 passed on a 95-2 vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and other supporters have cited death threats received by state employees, ranchers and others and say the measure is needed to protect those who deal with wolves.

The bill would exempt from disclosure personal information of people who report wolf attacks as well as those who participate in state programs aimed at preventative measures such as range riders. The chamber approved an amendment that would have the exemption expire after five years unless a report due Dec. 1, 2021 by the Sunshine Committee finds a continuing need for the exemption.