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WA HB1513

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/22/2025

Primary Sponsor

Chris Stearns

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Origin

House of Representatives

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Amends the Washington State Seashore Conservation Area boundaries to use "ordinary high water line" instead of "line of high tide" as the inland boundary marker

  • Adds a statutory definition of "ordinary high water line" based on the mark left by common water presence and action on soil or vegetation, with fallback standards for salt water (mean higher high tide) and fresh water (mean high water)

  • Requires all beach areas near salmon-bearing streams to be reserved for pedestrian use only during spawning season, prohibiting motorized vehicles in these zones

  • Directs the Parks and Recreation Commission to consult with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify salmon-bearing streams and determine spawning timing

  • Retains existing requirement that 40% of beach length be reserved for pedestrian use from April 15th through the day after Labor Day, while allowing local jurisdictions to adopt stricter provisions

Legislative Description

Safeguarding natural resources in the Washington State Seashore Conservation Area.

Last Action

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

1/12/2026

Committee Referrals

Environment & Energy1/22/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available