Bill > SB5360

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for prosecuting environmental crimes in Washington State, creating three-tiered violation levels for water pollution, clean air, and hazardous waste offenses. The bill defines different degrees of environmental violations based on the severity and intent of the offense, ranging from first-degree felonies (involving knowingly causing imminent danger of death or substantial bodily harm) to third-degree gross misdemeanors (involving negligent violations). For each type of environmental violation, the bill specifies that individuals and entities can be held criminally responsible, with penalties escalating based on the degree of the offense. First-degree violations are classified as class B felonies, second-degree violations as class C felonies, and third-degree violations as gross misdemeanors, each carrying potential fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment. The bill also adds these new environmental crime classifications to the state's sentencing guidelines and repeals several existing penalty statutes, effectively updating and strengthening environmental protection laws. Importantly, the bill includes specific exemptions for certain permitted activities, such as construction stormwater permits, forestry-related burning, and wildfire risk reduction efforts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5360&Year=2025&Initiative=false