This bill aims to ensure that commercial fishing revenue directly benefits the rural, coastal communities in Washington that are most dependent on the fishing industry. It recognizes the importance of commercial fishing and the need for municipalities to have adequate resources to provide public safety services and transportation infrastructure. To achieve this, the bill proposes to allocate a portion of the enhanced food fish excise tax, known as the "landing tax," to the cities or counties where the fish are first possessed after being landed.

Specifically, the bill amends RCW 82.27.070 to require that 50 percent of the excise tax collected be distributed to the respective city or county where the fish was first possessed. Additionally, it modifies the distribution of excise tax on anadromous game fish and certain salmon species, ensuring that a portion of these taxes also goes to the local jurisdictions. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 82.27.070
Substitute Bill: 82.27.070