Bill > HB2117

This bill adds a tribal member to the board of natural resources, expanding the board from six to seven members. The new tribal representative will be appointed by the governor and must be a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe in Washington state, serving a four-year term beginning July 1, 2026. When selecting the tribal representative, the governor is required to solicit and consider nominees from all federally recognized tribes in the state and collaborate with these tribes during the selection process. The bill's legislative findings emphasize that including a tribal member will provide crucial perspective and expertise to the board, which makes decisions affecting public lands and resources. The board currently consists of representatives from various state agencies, educational institutions, and county governments, and this addition aims to ensure more comprehensive and inclusive decision-making by incorporating indigenous knowledge and viewpoints into the board's deliberations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2117&Year=2025&Initiative=false