The bill aims to reform the structure and appointment process of the fish and wildlife commission in Washington State. It amends existing laws to establish a commission consisting of nine members, with six appointed by counties from each of the six regions of the department, and three additional at-large members appointed by the governor. The new appointment process requires county legislative authorities to nominate candidates and select representatives for their regions, ensuring that no region has more than two members on the commission. The bill also introduces staggered terms for initial appointees and sets a deadline for these appointments to be completed by December 31, 2025.

Additionally, the bill specifies eligibility criteria for commission members, requiring them to have held a hunting or fishing license for three of the five years prior to their appointment. It emphasizes the importance of diverse representation from various stakeholders in fish and wildlife, including sportfishers, commercial fishers, hunters, private landowners, and environmentalists. The bill also mandates the commission to hold in-person meetings in each region to enhance participant engagement and communication, and encourages commissioners to partake in training related to tribal sovereignty and treaty rights.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 77.04.030, 77.04.040