This bill amends RCW 43.21C.240 to enhance the protection of archaeological and cultural resources in land use activities that are exempt from the state environmental policy act. It requires counties, cities, or towns to adopt an ordinance by July 1, 2029, that protects these resources, developed in consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes and consistent with a model ordinance from the department of archaeology and historic preservation. The bill also stipulates that local governments must ensure that their development regulations adequately address specific adverse environmental impacts, including those related to cultural resources, and that they may not impose additional mitigation if these impacts are already addressed.

Additionally, the bill establishes a task force to assess and recommend improvements to archaeological and cultural resource protection policies. This task force will include representatives from various stakeholders, including tribal representatives, local governments, and state departments. It is tasked with reviewing existing protections, identifying gaps, and submitting findings to the legislature by December 1, 2028. The task force will expire on December 1, 2029.

Statutes affected:
Substitute bill: 43.21C.240