The bill amends RCW 89.08.405 to establish new revenue limitations for conservation districts in Washington State. It allows county legislative authorities to approve a system of rates and charges for conservation districts, which can be an alternative to special assessments. The maximum annual per acre rate is set at 10 cents, while previous maximum per parcel rates have been removed. The bill also stipulates that public lands will be subject to the same rates and charges as private lands, and it introduces specific provisions for forestlands, including a cap on the number of acres subject to these charges and the imposition of a per-acre rate.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for landowner appeals regarding the rates and charges, requiring appeals to be filed within 21 days after property taxes are due. It mandates that the conservation district prepare a roll for the approved rates and charges, which will be collected alongside property taxes. The bill also specifies that if a petition against the rates and charges is filed by at least 20 percent of landowners before December 15, the rates will not be spread on the tax rolls for the following year. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the process for setting and collecting conservation district revenues while ensuring transparency and accountability to landowners.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 89.08.405