The proposed bill aims to bolster Washington State's agricultural economy by mandating that regulatory agencies consider the impact of their rules on agriculture, particularly in relation to the loss of farmland. It introduces the requirement for agricultural impact statements to be included in regulatory proposals that may affect agricultural land, assessing economic impacts, identifying alternatives, and suggesting mitigation measures. The bill also requires state agencies involved in natural resource management to adopt interdisciplinary approaches that prioritize agricultural viability alongside environmental and regulatory considerations. Furthermore, it establishes a mechanism for evaluating the fiscal impact of proposed legislation on agricultural entities and mandates that cities and counties complete agricultural impact statements before making zoning amendments that could affect agricultural land.

In addition to these provisions, the bill amends existing laws concerning urban growth areas and agricultural land conservation. It stipulates that zoning amendments leading to agricultural land loss must be offset by conserving adjacent farmland of comparable quality, or through alternative mitigation measures if adjacent land is unavailable. The bill also updates terminology for clarity, prohibits urban growth area expansions into certain floodplains, and emphasizes consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes during urban growth area revisions. It sets specific requirements and deadlines for counties and cities to review and revise their comprehensive plans, ensuring that agricultural land preservation is a key consideration in urban development decisions.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 79A.15.040, 36.70A.110