Bill > HB1488

This bill amends the existing law regarding conservation district revenue limitations by modifying how counties can approve and implement rates and charges for conservation districts. The bill increases the maximum annual per parcel rate from a tiered system (previously based on county population) to a flat $25 per parcel. It introduces a mechanism for the Department of Revenue to adjust this maximum rate every three years starting March 1, 2029, based on the Consumer Price Index for the Seattle metropolitan area. The bill maintains provisions allowing conservation districts to consider various factors when proposing rates and charges, such as services provided, land characteristics, and beneficiary income levels. It also preserves special provisions for forestlands, limiting per acre charges and allowing a small charge per forestland owner. The legislation ensures that public lands are subject to the same rates and charges as private lands, establishes an appeals process for landowners, and details how these rates will be collected through county tax rolls. Importantly, the bill provides a mechanism for landowners to petition against the rates if 20% of affected land owners object before the 15th of December in the year the rates are proposed.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1488&Year=2025&Initiative=false