Loading chat...

WA HB2682

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/27/2026

Primary Sponsor

Kristine Reeves

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Adds the Forest Practices Board to the list of "covered agencies" under Washington's Environmental Justice Act (Chapter 70A.02 RCW), requiring environmental justice assessments for significant agency actions

  • Clarifies that for the Department of Natural Resources, "covered agency" includes the Board of Natural Resources, and specifies that significant legislative rules approved by this board trigger environmental justice requirements

  • Suspends any Forest Practices Board rules adopted but not yet in effect, prohibiting implementation until the board complies with environmental justice obligations under Chapter 70A.02 RCW

  • Requires both the Forest Practices Board and Board of Natural Resources to submit reports to the legislature by July 1, 2027, with retrospective analyses comparing their actions since 2021 to what would have occurred under covered agency requirements

  • Declares an emergency, making the act effective immediately upon passage

Legislative Description

Ensuring the consistent application of environmental justice principles.

Last Action

First reading, referred to Environment & Energy.

1/27/2026

Committee Referrals

Environment & Energy1/27/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available