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 bill specifies maximum rates, including a cap of 10 cents per acre and varying maximum per parcel rates based on county population, with adjustments to these rates mandated every three years based on the consumer price index. Additionally, public lands will be subject to the same rates as private lands, and specific provisions are made for forestlands regarding the imposition of charges.

Key changes include the increase of the maximum annual per parcel rate from $5 to $7.50, with higher caps for larger counties, and the introduction of a process for landowner appeals regarding rates and charges. The bill also clarifies that no more than 10,000 acres of forestland owned by the same entity can be subject to these rates in any year, and it establishes a new appeal timeline of 21 days for landowners. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process for setting and adjusting conservation district rates while ensuring that landowners have a mechanism for addressing concerns about those rates.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 89.08.405
Substitute Bill: 89.08.405