Bill > HB1303

This bill aims to reduce environmental disparities and improve overall resident health by integrating environmental justice considerations into government decision-making processes. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Ecology to add environmental justice as an element within existing environmental regulations and environmental checklists, mandating that lead agencies consider environmental justice alongside other environmental factors when implementing environmental review processes. The bill defines environmental justice using the existing definition in state law and requires the Department of Ecology to develop mitigation guidance, potentially including best management practices, to address potential adverse environmental impacts on environmental justice communities. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these new requirements are supplemental to existing obligations under chapter 70A.02 RCW and allows agencies to use existing environmental justice assessments to meet the new requirements. Importantly, the bill includes a provision that will render it null and void if specific funding is not allocated in the omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 2025, ensuring its implementation is contingent on dedicated financial support.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1303&Year=2025&Initiative=false