Increasing awareness of the potential harm caused by releasing pets or aquatic plants into the natural environment.

HB 1976 requires retail pet stores selling animals (including exotic pets) or aquatic plants to provide customers with an informational pamphlet from the Washington Invasive Species Council. The pamphlet must cover invasive species threats to native ecosystems, consequences of releasing pets into the wild, rehoming options, proper disposal methods for aquatic plants, and relevant state laws prohibiting invasive species. This bill directly affects retail pet stores regulated under USDA oversight that sell pets or aquatic plants. The law aims to increase public awareness about preventing ecological harm caused by releasing non-native species into natural environments.