The bill amends RCW 77.36.100 to enhance compensation provisions for damage caused by deer and elk to commercial crops, specifically targeting claims from frontier one counties. It mandates that at least 20 percent of the available funds for such damages must be allocated to claims arising from these designated counties. If the claims from frontier one counties do not meet this threshold, the remaining funds can be distributed to other eligible claimants. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a claimant is considered to be located in a frontier one county if any part of the farm property where the damage occurred is situated in that county.

The bill also maintains existing provisions regarding eligibility for compensation, including the requirement for commercial crop owners to meet the definition of "eligible farmer" and satisfy specific damage criteria established by the commission. It outlines the process for appealing denied claims and sets conditions for the department's expenditures on claims related to commercial crops, livestock, and property damage caused by wildlife. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure that farmers in frontier one counties receive adequate support for wildlife-related damages while maintaining a structured compensation process.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 77.36.100
Substitute Bill: 77.36.100