Bill > HB1930

This bill reforms the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission by changing its composition and appointment process. Instead of being entirely appointed by the governor, the nine-member commission will now have six members selected by counties within six departmental regions, with each region nominating one representative through a collaborative county process. The remaining three members will be at-large appointments made by the governor, with the requirement that at least one at-large member must reside in eastern Washington and another in western Washington. To be eligible for appointment, commissioners must have held a hunting or fishing license in three of the five years preceding their appointment. The bill also introduces provisions for staggered initial terms, with the first regional appointments to be made by December 31, 2025, and beginning January 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill encourages the department to invite commissioners to participate in training on tribal sovereignty and rights, and mandates that the commission hold in-person meetings in each of its six regions to improve communication and address potential conflicts, subject to appropriate funding.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1930&Year=2025&Initiative=false