Bill > HB2578

This bill expands the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission by increasing its membership from nine to thirteen voting members and adding four alternate members, with a significant provision to include four elected tribal leaders from federally recognized Indian tribes whose traditional lands are within Washington. Specifically, two tribal chairs and two tribal council members from tribes east of the Cascade Mountains, and two each from tribes west of the Cascades, will be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate for four-year terms. These tribal representatives will serve alongside the existing nine members, who are appointed based on their knowledge of fish and wildlife and must not hold other state, county, or municipal elected or appointed offices. The bill also mandates that the governor consider representation from federally recognized tribes when making all commission appointments, alongside other stakeholders like sportfishers, commercial fishers, hunters, landowners, and environmentalists. Additionally, the bill slightly increases the number of commission members required to call a special meeting or constitute a quorum, from five to seven.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2578&Year=2025&Initiative=false