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WA HB1685
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/29/2025
Primary Sponsor
Lawrence Springer
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AI Summary
- Governor appoints the Department of Fish and Wildlife director with senate consent, replacing the current system where the Fish and Wildlife Commission appoints the director
- Fish and Wildlife Commission shifts from a governing body to an advisory role, providing public written recommendations to the director on rules, policies, tribal agreements, and other significant matters
- Director must consider and respond in writing to commission recommendations, explaining decisions and their consistency with department mandates
- Interagency work group required, including leaders from Ecology, Commerce, Transportation, Parks, Public Lands, and Puget Sound Partnership, with a report due to the legislature by August 1, 2026
- Effective date of January 15, 2026; existing commissioners may continue until their terms end
Legislative Description
Restructuring fish and wildlife governance.
Last Action
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
1/12/2026
Committee Referrals
Agriculture and Natural Resources1/29/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available