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WA SB5896

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/12/2026

Primary Sponsor

Shelly Short

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Origin

Senate

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Amends RCW 90.48.080 to narrow the standard for water pollution violations by removing the phrase "or tend to cause" from the statute
  • Discharges into state waters would only be unlawful if they actually cause pollution, rather than if they cause or tend to cause pollution
  • Retains the Department of Ecology's authority to determine what constitutes pollution under the chapter
  • Maintains existing prohibitions on throwing, draining, running, or otherwise discharging organic or inorganic matter into state waters

Legislative Description

Modifying the standards for determining water quality pollution.

Last Action

First reading, referred to Environment, Energy & Technology.

1/12/2026

Committee Referrals

Environment, Energy & Technology1/12/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available