To create a new entity to coordinate and highlight a comprehensive Puget Sound science program to set research priorities for Puget Sound science. The entity would evaluate the complex research needs that can guide protective and restorative actions. The entity would also help citizens understand the impacts of a changing environment.   Official Text and Analysis.

To require the PSAT to establish criteria to strategically prioritize programs and projects that narrow key science research gaps. The substitute bill also adds the ARZ-1 as a geographic area of research focus.

To make the Puget Sound Action Team or its successor agency subject to the Open Public Meetings Act.

To integrate the bill with pending legislation creating the Puget Sound Partnership (HB 1374/SB 5372). The Puget Sound Leadership Council created pursuant to that pending legislation must work with the science panel also created in that legislation to: identify gaps in scientific research related to restoring Puget Sound, including ARZ-1; develop a competitive process for soliciting research; solicit and prioritize research in accord with science panel recommendations; select and fund priority programs; and develop and implement a peer review process to review results. The amendment deletes a provision explicitly making PSAT or its successor agency subject to open public meetings requirements.