The bill amends existing Washington state law to include federally recognized Indian tribes as eligible participants in the conservation futures program. Specifically, it modifies RCW 84.34.210 and RCW 84.34.220 to allow these tribes, alongside counties, cities, towns, and various nonprofit organizations, to acquire rights to protect and conserve open space land, agricultural land, and timberland. The new legal language inserted into these sections explicitly names "federally recognized Indian tribe" as an entity that can engage in these conservation efforts, thereby expanding the scope of the program to include tribal participation.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section to chapter 84.34 RCW, which clarifies that nothing in the chapter should be interpreted in a manner that would reduce or impair the treaty rights of federally recognized Indian tribes. This provision aims to safeguard the rights of tribes while they engage in conservation activities, ensuring that their legal entitlements are respected and upheld within the framework of the conservation futures program.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 84.34.210, 84.34.220