The bill amends RCW 77.36.100 to enhance the compensation process for livestock owners who experience damage due to wolf predation. It establishes criteria for claims related to both direct and indirect damages, with a specific focus on indirect damage claims, which include losses from harassment by wolves that affect livestock weight gains and pregnancy rates. The bill introduces a new process for determining indirect damage claims, which compares current year losses to average annual losses from the year of the first confirmed wolf depredation and the two preceding years. Additionally, it sets a minimum economic loss threshold of $500 for claims to be eligible for compensation.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the conditions under which compensation can be provided for wildlife interactions affecting property other than commercial crops or livestock, and it allows the department to offer materials or services to mitigate wildlife interactions. The commission is tasked with adopting rules to establish criteria for both damage claims and mitigating actions. The bill also includes provisions for appealing denied claims and prioritizing payments based on the percentage of loss, while emphasizing that compensation is contingent upon the availability of specific funding.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 77.36.100
Substitute Bill: 77.36.100