The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) concerning recreational fishing and hunting licenses, introducing new definitions and clarifying existing terms. Key changes include raising the minimum age for obtaining a personal use fishing license from 15 to 16 years, updating the age for "senior" designation from 70 to 70 years old, and defining "youth" as individuals under 16 years old for fishing and hunting activities. The bill also specifies that raffle tickets for hunting permits cannot exceed $25 each and mandates that two percent of revenue from small game hunting licenses be allocated to the eastern Washington pheasant enhancement account.

Additionally, the bill establishes administrative penalties for non-compliance with wildlife harvesting reporting requirements, allowing the commission to set these penalties. Hunters who fail to report their harvest must complete a report and pay the penalty before obtaining a new license. The Department of Fish and Wildlife is required to report compliance rates and penalties collected to legislative committees annually. Other provisions include a new migratory bird permit requirement, application fees for hunting permits, and a potential surcharge on all fees every odd-numbered year to address inflation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with surcharge provisions commencing on 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