The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) concerning recreational fishing and hunting licenses, introducing new definitions and updating existing ones. Key changes include increasing the maximum price for raffle tickets from $25 to $30 and raising the age for youth hunting and fishing from 15 to 16 years old. Additionally, it mandates that five percent of the revenue from small game hunting license fees be deposited into the eastern Washington pheasant enhancement account. The bill also establishes new fees for recreational fishing and hunting, updates the age requirement for safe firearm handling certification, and introduces exemptions for current or retired federal peace officers from certain training requirements.

Moreover, the bill modifies requirements for catch record cards and permits related to hunting migratory birds and big game, specifying that a supplemental migratory bird permit is required for individuals aged 16 and older. It also restructures fees for turkey tags, allocating two-thirds of the revenue for turkey or upland game bird management. The bill allows the commission to implement surcharges on fees to cover operational costs and introduces combination licenses that may offer discounts for seniors and disabled veterans. It repeals certain previous acts related to hunting and fishing regulations, with most provisions taking effect on July 1, 2025, and specific sections regarding surcharges effective on September 1, 2027. Overall, the bill aims to enhance wildlife management and ensure sustainable funding for conservation efforts.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 77.08.010, 77.12.810, 77.12.820, 77.32.155, 77.32.350, 77.32.370, 77.32.430, 77.32.440, 77.32.450, 77.32.470, 77.32.480, 77.32.520, 77.32.570, 77.32.575
Substitute Bill: 77.08.010, 77.12.810, 77.12.820, 77.32.155, 77.32.350, 77.32.370, 77.32.430, 77.32.440, 77.32.450, 77.32.470, 77.32.480, 77.32.520, 77.32.570, 77.32.575
Bill as Passed Legislature: 77.08.010, 77.12.810, 77.12.820, 77.32.155, 77.32.350, 77.32.370, 77.32.430, 77.32.440, 77.32.450, 77.32.470, 77.32.480, 77.32.520, 77.32.570, 77.32.575
Session Law: 77.08.010, 77.12.810, 77.12.820, 77.32.155, 77.32.350, 77.32.370, 77.32.430, 77.32.440, 77.32.450, 77.32.470, 77.32.480, 77.32.520, 77.32.570, 77.32.575