The bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to update regulations concerning recreational fishing and hunting licenses, introducing new definitions and clarifying existing terms. A significant change is the updated definition of "youth," now referring to individuals under 16 years old for both fishing and hunting. The bill also mandates that two percent of revenue from small game hunting license fees be allocated to the eastern Washington pheasant enhancement account. Additionally, it empowers the commission to impose administrative penalties for non-compliance with wildlife harvesting reporting requirements, with a requirement to report compliance rates and penalties to legislative committees.

Further amendments include raising the minimum age for obtaining a personal use fishing license from 15 to 16 years, establishing new fees for various licenses, and introducing a temporary combination fishing license. The bill also outlines a new fee structure for licenses, including surcharges to be deposited into specific accounts for fish and wildlife management. It repeals several previous statutes to streamline regulations and links the issuance of new licenses to compliance with reporting requirements and payment of penalties. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with certain provisions, such as surcharges, beginning 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