Bill Banning Orca Breeding Goes To Governor Brown

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The California Legislature is moving to codify SeaWorld's plan to end killer whale breeding and entertainment shows in state law.

The Senate approved a budget bill Friday that makes it a crime for an individual or corporation to breed orcas in captivity, sending the measure to Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown.

A violation in California could result in 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, which will still be allowed under the law.

The new orca displays will begin next year at SeaWorld's San Diego park, before expanding to its other two parks by 2019.