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A key Washington state lawmaker says he will schedule a hearing on shellfish regulation and may introduce a bill. That's in response to a recent public radio report on the system for ensuring that Washington shellfish are safe to eat. Austin Jenkins reports.

Austin Jenkins / Northwest News Network

Shellfish certification tag from a bag of oysters

We also reported on the Washington Department of Health's relationship with the shellfish industry. The agency routinely cuts settlement deals with violators.

State Representative Dave Upthegrove says budgets are extremely tight, but lawmakers need to take a fresh look at shellfish safety.

Dave Upthegrove: "I expect  the legislators, including myself, will be engaging representatives from the industry and public health and environmental advocates to try to figure out what is the best way to strengthen and improve and build upon our current system."

Upthegrove emphasizes there are no allegations Washington shellfish are unsafe to eat.

Our story was sparked by a recent large-scale shellfish poaching case.