WA HB2598

Establishes the Salmon Advisory Commission to coordinate understanding of habitat, harvest, hydro, hatcheries, predation, and other factors influencing salmon and steelhead recovery across state agencies and tribes

Commission membership includes directors (or designees) from 11 state agencies, federally recognized tribal chairs invited by the governor, 4 legislators (2 from each chamber), and 2 city/county representatives

Commission must convene at least twice per year and submit semiannual reports to the governor and legislature with recommendations on agency actions, legislation, and budget priorities, with the first report due October 1, 2026

Amends RCW 77.85.005 to update legislative findings, emphasizing the need to vastly increase habitat protection and restoration scope due to climate change and population growth, and linking salmon recovery to the Growth Management Act

Declares the state goal of supporting salmon and steelhead recovery to meet tribal treaty obligations, support commercial and recreational fisheries, and achieve federal Endangered Species Act delisting