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 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 such a 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 allows for compensation for property damage caused by wildlife beyond commercial crops and livestock, subject to available nonstate funds. The commission is tasked with adopting rules for damage criteria and mitigating actions, while also setting limits on the department's expenditures for claims. Overall, the bill aims to ensure that frontier one counties receive adequate support for agricultural damages caused by wildlife.

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