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WA HB2682
Bill
Status
1/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Kristine Reeves
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AI Summary
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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