Bill > SB5510

This bill amends the existing law regarding conservation district revenue limitations by updating the rules for how counties can approve and implement rates and charges for conservation districts. The bill modifies the maximum annual per parcel rates that can be charged, with different limits based on county population size (e.g., $7.50 for smaller counties, up to $22.50 for counties with over 1.5 million people). Importantly, the bill introduces a new provision requiring the Department of Revenue to adjust these maximum rates every three years starting in March 2029, based on the Consumer Price Index for the Seattle metropolitan area. The bill maintains existing provisions allowing conservation districts to consider various factors when proposing rates and charges, such as services provided, land characteristics, and land user status. It also preserves the existing process for landowners to appeal rates and charges, with appeals needing to be filed within 21 days after property taxes are due. The bill ensures that public lands are subject to the same rates and charges as private lands, and provides special considerations for forestlands, including a cap on per-acre charges and a limit on the number of acres that can be charged. The rates and charges will continue to be collected through the county tax roll system, with a portion of the collected funds used to cover administrative costs.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5510&Year=2025&Initiative=false