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. 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 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, requiring claimants to meet specific eligibility criteria and economic loss thresholds. It allows for appeals of denied claims and sets conditions for the department's expenditures on claims. The commission is tasked with adopting rules to establish criteria for damage assessment and mitigation actions, ensuring that compensation processes are clearly defined and accessible to affected property owners.

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