The bill amends various sections of the Washington State Code concerning recreational fishing and hunting licenses, introducing several key changes aimed at enhancing wildlife management and compliance. Notably, it raises the maximum price for raffle tickets from $25 to $30 and increases the age for youth hunting and fishing from under 15 to under 16 years old. Additionally, it allocates five percent of the revenue from small game hunting licenses to the eastern Washington pheasant enhancement account. The bill also establishes new reporting requirements for licensees, imposing administrative penalties for non-compliance, and mandates that hunters who fail to report must complete a report and pay a penalty before obtaining a new license.

Further amendments include updates to the age requirement for presenting certification of firearm safety training, which is now set at under 18 years old, and exemptions for military and peace officers from certain training requirements. The bill introduces a supplemental migratory bird permit for individuals aged 16 and older and modifies the application process for special hunting season permits. It also restructures fees for turkey tags, with two-thirds of the revenue allocated for turkey or upland game bird management. The bill allows for surcharges on fees to cover operational costs and creates combination licenses for discounts for seniors and disabled veterans. Most provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, with specific sections regarding surcharges effective September 1, 2027.

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