This bill aims to ensure that commercial fishing revenue directly benefits the communities most reliant on the industry, particularly in rural, coastal areas of southwest Washington. It recognizes the importance of commercial fishing and the need for municipalities to receive adequate resources to support public safety and transportation infrastructure. To achieve this, the bill proposes that a portion of the enhanced food fish excise tax, known as the "landing tax," be allocated to the cities where the fish is landed, thereby allowing these communities to benefit from the taxes paid by commercial fishers.

Specifically, the bill amends RCW 82.27.070 to mandate that 50 percent of the excise tax collected be distributed to the city in which the fish was landed. Additionally, it modifies the distribution of excise tax on certain salmon species, ensuring that a portion of the tax revenue is also directed to the landing cities. The bill replaces the previous percentage of five and twenty-five one-hundredths with a new rate of 2.65 percent for the state general fund and introduces a new distribution of 2.625 percent to the landing cities, thereby enhancing local support for communities engaged in commercial fishing.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 82.27.070