Bill > SB6187

This bill requires the forest practices board to repeal recent rule changes concerning water buffer rules for non-fish bearing streams, specifically those adopted on November 12, 2025, to WAC 222-30-021 and 222-30-0211. The bill also prevents the board from adopting similar rules in the future unless they first analyze minority proposals or other viable alternatives, develop a consensus recommendation, and thoroughly consider the economic impacts, particularly on small forest landowners, and habitat benefits. This action is being taken because the legislature believes the recent rule-making process subverted the intent of the Forests and Fish Law, a 1999 bipartisan stakeholder agreement approved by the federal government for habitat conservation, and will negatively impact the timber industry and small businesses by removing over 200,000 acres from productive harvest without significant habitat benefit.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6187&Year=2025&Initiative=false