WA SB5609

Land use decisions that are categorically exempt from the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) must still comply with cultural resource protection requirements under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c)

Government entities can avoid these cultural resource requirements by meeting three conditions: establishing a data-sharing agreement with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, adopting a local ordinance or approved cultural resource management plan, and obtaining a written consultation agreement with affected federally recognized tribes

The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation must develop minimum standards for local ordinances protecting archaeological and historic properties

Applies to categorical exemptions under RCW 43.21C.229, RCW 43.21C.240, exemptions identified through rulemaking under RCW 43.21C.110, and any future categorical exemptions enacted after the bill's effective date