The bill amends RCW 77.36.100 to enhance compensation provisions for damage caused by wild deer and elk, particularly focusing on claims arising from frontier one counties. It establishes that at least 20 percent of the available funds for damage to commercial crops must be allocated to claims from these counties, as defined in RCW 43.160.020. If the claims from frontier one counties do not meet this threshold, the remaining funds can be distributed to any eligible claimant. Additionally, it clarifies that a claimant is considered to be located in a frontier one county if any part of their farm property where the damage occurred is situated in such a county.

The bill also maintains existing provisions regarding compensation for damage to commercial crops and livestock, including eligibility criteria and the establishment of rules by the commission to define damage and compensation processes. It allows for appeals of denied claims and sets conditions for the department's expenditures on claims. The legislation emphasizes the need for specific funding availability for claims and prioritizes payments based on the percentage of loss incurred by claimants.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 77.36.100
Substitute Bill: 77.36.100
Bill as Passed Legislature: 77.36.100
Session Law: 77.36.100