OLYMPIA — State lawmakers are approving a plan that would compensate the owners of livestock who suffer losses due to wolf attacks.

The state Senate widely approved a bill Saturday that would increase the cost of some specialized license plates to pay for the program. Those fees are projected to eventually raise some $200,000 per year.

Lawmakers said it is one step in a broader strategy to manage concerns about wolves preying on cattle. Separately, the state Fish and Wildlife Commission announced this week that property owners in parts of the state can immediately kill a wolf caught in the act of attacking livestock or pets.

The compensation plan now goes to the governor for his approval.