RELATING TO WILDLIFE.

SB 1021 bans the captivity of whales, dolphins, and porpoises (cetaceans) in facilities like aquariums or marine parks, directly affecting such venues that currently house these animals. The bill allows exceptions only for specific cases, such as animal rescue, rehabilitation, or approved scientific research. This law would require facilities to stop breeding or keeping cetaceans in captivity unless they qualify for one of these limited exceptions. The policy change aims to end the practice of keeping these highly intelligent marine mammals in confined settings.