California governor signs bill banning SeaWorld orca shows
FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2006, file photo, a young girl watches through the glass as a killer whale passes by while swimming in a display tank at SeaWorld, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Park, File)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Jerry Brown is approving legislation requiring SeaWorld to follow through on its plan to end killer whale breeding and entertainment shows.
The Democratic governor said Tuesday he's signed a budget bill codifying SeaWorld's plans in state law.
A provision of SB839 makes it a crime for an individual or corporation to breed orcas in captivity, punishable by a fine of up to $100,000.
SeaWorld announced in March that it was no longer breeding orcas and would stop making whales do tricks at its amusement parks. The company plans to focus instead on the educational opportunities with its existing whales.
The new orca displays will begin next year at SeaWorld's San Diego park, before expanding to its other two parks by 2019.