HB 1735 Washington House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Prohibiting the force-feeding of birds.

This bill prohibits force-feeding birds (such as chickens, turkeys, or ducks) to enlarge their livers for foie gras production, and bans the sale, possession, or distribution of foie gras made through this method. It applies directly to restaurants, retailers, and producers handling foie gras, with exceptions only for veterinary care. Violations carry civil fines up to $1,000 per day, and the law takes effect January 1, 2028. The legislation targets specific production practices without restricting other bird-related activities.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026 Last action Feb 4, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Bill Substitute Bill · 4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to shift from a private civil penalty system to a government-enforced regulatory framework. The substitute version adds definitions for the Department and Director of Agriculture, grants the state authority to enforce the ban and adopt rules, and changes the penalty assessment process from automatic to being determined by the state director.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded from a direct prohibition with private penalties to a comprehensive regulatory chapter administered by the Department of Agriculture.
DEFINITION

Added definitions for 'Department' and 'Director' to establish the state agency responsible for oversight.

ENFORCEMENT

Changed the penalty mechanism from an automatic civil fine to a system where the state director assesses penalties after determining a violation.

REQUIREMENT

Added authority for the Director to administer the chapter and adopt necessary rules under state administrative law.

TECHNICAL

Updated the effective session year from 2025 to 2026 and adjusted the section numbering to reflect the new regulatory structure.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
12
Key actions
8
Committee
9
Feb 4, 2026
Committee
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
lower
Feb 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
lower
Feb 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Minority; do not pass.
lower
Feb 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 8:00 AM.
lower
Jan 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 8:00 AM.
lower
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
lower
Feb 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 10:30 AM.
lower
Feb 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 10:30 AM.
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 8:00 AM.
lower
Feb 7, 2025
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 10:30 AM.
lower
1 primary · 17 co-sponsors

Sponsors