Transcript Highlights:

• This is regarding enhancing steelhead populations.
• broodstock conservation program in watersheds with native steelhead populations.
• I primarily fish for winter and summer steelhead.
• Here at Trout Unlimited, I oversee and direct our wild steelhead initiative.
• Our wild steelhead initiative works to address all limiting factors impacting steelhead.

Bills: SB6104, SB6241, SJM8015, SB6318

Keywords: agriculture, protection, state regulation, farmers, land use, sustainability, steelhead, conservation, wildlife, fishing, environmental protection, federal response, wildfire protection, community safety, infrastructure, natural resources, commercial shellfish, fees, fishing industry, regulations

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several measures, beginning with SB 6241 on enhancing steelhead populations through a wild broodstock conservation program. Staff explained the bill would direct WDFW to create wild broodstock hatchery programs in native steelhead watersheds, with rulemaking on fish health, broodstock requirements, and population targets; the fiscal note estimated about $14.6 million in FY 2027. Senator Braun said the bill was inspired by anglers and Oregon/Alaska examples, but acknowledged the cost and said a substitute was being considered. Proponents, including recreational anglers and conservation groups, said broodstock programs could improve steelhead runs and fishing opportunity while preserving genetics; opponents, including Trout Unlimited, argued the bill was a one-size-fits-all mandate that should be left to science-based agency and tribal management. The hearing closed with 1,536 pro, 4 con, and 38 other sign-ins. The committee then heard SB 6104 on protecting agriculture. Staff described a broad bill requiring agricultural impact statements for agency actions and local land-use changes, consultation on agricultural viability, mitigation measures when actions harm agricultural property, farmland conservation ratios in zoning changes, and a new OFM agricultural fiscal note process. Senator Muzzall said Washington agriculture is under severe pressure and that the bill is meant to force agencies to account for farm viability. Farm organizations supported the measure as a concrete step to protect farmland and require agencies to avoid or minimize harm, while several others opposed it or raised concerns that it would not help small farmers, could constrain modernization, or could open the Habitat Conservation Account to uncertain new uses. The hearing closed with 22 pro, 62 con, and 0 other sign-ins. Next, the committee took up SJM 8015, a memorial urging the federal government to ensure wildfire response consolidation does not reduce capacity or firefighter safety and to have the new federal wildfire service fully operational before the 2026 fire season. Senator Short said the memorial was intended to protect federal firefighting capacity in Washington. Testimony strongly supported the memorial and broader wildfire funding, with private forest landowners, conservation groups, tribal representatives, students from the Methow Valley, counties, and others urging full funding of the state wildfire account and warning that reduced investment would worsen fire risk, damage rural economies, and threaten community safety. The hearing closed with 271 pro, 3 con, and 1 other sign-ins. Finally, after waiving the five-day notice rule, the committee heard SB 6318 on commercial shellfish fees. Staff said the bill would cap DOH shellfish licensing and biotoxin fees at inflation-adjusted levels, cap export certificates at $75, exempt the program from the requirement that licensing programs be fully fee-supported, and apply retroactively with an emergency clause; the fiscal note estimated about $4.7 million in general fund impact over four years. Shellfish growers and industry representatives thanked the committee for moving quickly and said the adopted DOH fee increases would have been unsustainable and could harm small farms and the broader industry. One remote testifier warned that very large fee increases could push small operators out and encourage black-market activity. The hearing closed with 77 pro and 7 con/other sign-ins. Afterward, the committee held an extended informational presentation on beaver restoration and relocation in the Methow/Okanogan region, with researchers and practitioners describing beavers’ benefits for water storage, stream cooling, fish habitat, wildfire resilience, and coexistence strategies, but no action was taken on that presentation during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is regarding enhancing steelhead populations.
• broodstock conservation program in watersheds with native steelhead populations.
• in our state and the status of steelhead as our state fish, Steelhead are very important to recreational
• I primarily fish for winter and summer steelhead.
• Our wild steelhead initiative works to address all limiting factors impacting steelhead.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several bills and a joint memorial, with testimony largely focused on steelhead recovery, agricultural viability, wildfire funding, and shellfish fees. On SB 6241, which would create a wild broodstock conservation program for steelhead, staff described a statewide program with a fiscal note of about $14.6 million in FY 2027, while sponsor Sen. Braun argued the concept could boost wild populations and fishing opportunity at lower cost than the fiscal note suggests. Proponents, including anglers and conservation groups, said broodstock programs could improve fisheries, preserve genetics, and support local economies; opponents, including Trout Unlimited, argued the bill was too broad, not sufficiently science-driven, and should be left to agency and co-manager discretion. The public hearing closed with a strong pro/con sign-in count in favor of the bill. The committee then heard SB 6104, a broad agriculture-protection bill that would require agricultural impact statements for certain agency actions, annexations, and zoning changes, and would direct mitigation measures when actions harm agricultural or natural-resource-based commercial activities. Sponsor Sen. Muzzall said Washington agriculture is under severe pressure and losing farms, while supporters from farm groups said the bill would force agencies to consider ag viability and compensate for impacts. Opponents, including a small farmer and environmental advocates, said the bill was too procedural, could burden modernization or conservation efforts, and might create uncertainty around existing conservation funding accounts. The hearing ended with more testimony in opposition than support. The committee also heard SJM 8015, urging the federal government to ensure wildfire-response consolidation does not reduce capacity or firefighter safety. Sponsor Sen. Short and many testifiers, including private forest owners, tribes, students, conservation groups, and local officials, emphasized the importance of maintaining and fully funding Washington’s wildfire response and forest-restoration investments, especially the 1168 account. Testimony highlighted fuel breaks, early detection, community protection, and the economic costs of wildfire. The memorial drew overwhelmingly pro testimony. Finally, the committee suspended the five-day notice rule to hear SB 6318 on commercial shellfish fees; staff explained it would cap Department of Health fee increases after a recent fee review, and shellfish growers strongly supported the bill as necessary to keep small farms viable. The committee also took a work session on beaver relocation and habitat restoration, where presenters described beavers as a water-retention and wildfire-resilience tool and discussed coexistence, relocation, and possible future management changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, it strengthens the steelhead trout report card program.
• Number one, it strengthens the steelhead trout report card program.
• Number one, it strengthens the steelhead trout report card program.
• Steelhead are one of the most important recreational fisheries in the state.
• angling data and funding steelhead restoration.

Summary: The committee heard several wildlife and water-related bills. SB 872, by Senator McNerney, would create a Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund and allow waiver of local cost-sharing for Delta levee repairs to protect the State Water Project and Delta infrastructure. Supporters from water agencies, environmental groups, counties, and agricultural interests said the bill is needed to address levee failure and canal subsidence; there was no opposition, and the bill was held open until a quorum was present, with broad support expressed. SB 1108, by Senator Caballero, would establish the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the Central Valley to coordinate conservation, habitat restoration, public access, and voluntary easements in a region described as the largest remaining wetland/grasslands complex west of the Mississippi. Support came from the Grasslands Water District, Audubon, conservation groups, and local stakeholders, who emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, wildlife corridors, and land-use transition under groundwater sustainability. There was no opposition, and the bill received favorable committee support. SB 1135, by Senator Blakespear, would reestablish and strengthen the statewide wildlife coexistence program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal deterrence, education, and compensation for livestock losses. Supporters cited rising wildlife incidents, wolf depredation, and the need for proactive tools; opponents and some committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, funding, and the absence of law enforcement/public safety as a specifically named advisory role. After discussion and amendments that moved the cattlemen and Farm Bureau to neutral, the bill passed out of committee on a due-pass motion, though some members voted no or abstained. SB 1305, by Senator Richardson, would direct CDFW to study the feasibility of grizzly bear reintroduction and prepare a roadmap, with tribal consultation and stakeholder engagement, but would not itself authorize reintroduction. Tribal sponsors and conservation groups supported the bill as a planning and cultural restoration effort, while hunting, ranching, and county groups opposed it, arguing California already faces major wildlife-management and funding challenges and that the proposal would create new conflicts. Committee members debated costs, appropriations, and whether the study should include funding estimates; the bill was amended and passed on a due-pass motion. The committee also heard SB 1250, by Senator Cortese, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning; supporters said it would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity, and the bill was presented in support as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, it strengthens the steelhead trout report card program.
• Number one, it strengthens the steelhead trout report card program.
• Number one, it strengthens the steelhead trout report card program.
• Steelhead are one of the most important recreational fisheries in the state.
• angling data and funding steelhead restoration.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're estimating there's probably 20,000 barriers to salmon and steelhead out there in the state.
• And the mission is to recover salmon and steelhead. Pretty simple mission.
• And then the benefits to harvest of anadromous fish, salmon and steelhead, that are... ...benefits to
• harvest of anadromous fish, salmon and steelhead, that are negotiated in the two fishery negotiations
• that is different, if it comes back different and it ends up being maybe more of the Chinook or the steelhead

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're estimating there's probably 20,000 barriers to salmon and steelhead out there in the state.
• And the mission is to recover salmon and steelhead. Pretty simple mission.
• And then the benefits to harvest of anadromous fish, salmon and steelhead, that are... ...negotiated
• that is different, if it comes back different and it ends up being maybe more of the Chinook or the steelhead
• Or the steelhead, then you would shift away from the king and the Chinook?

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee held a work session on fish passage and barrier prioritization. Tom Jameson of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife briefed members on the state salmon recovery framework, the types and prevalence of fish passage barriers, and the many existing barrier-removal programs. He explained that culverts are the most common barrier, but levees, tidegates, dams, and other structures also affect salmon and steelhead. He also described the state’s fish passage database, the assessment criteria used to determine whether a structure is a barrier, and the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board’s role in funding projects. Jameson reviewed the history of the board and its grant pathways, noting that the Legislature has funded 199 projects totaling nearly $225 million over five biennia, including significant federal support in the last biennium. He then focused on the new statewide prioritization strategy directed by the Legislature in 2020. A science panel recommended using an optimization model and then scoring and ranking barriers, but Jameson said the model depends on better stream mapping and ongoing “snapping” of stream layers to known barrier locations. He said the strategy is intended to produce watershed-based priority lists rather than a single statewide ranking. Members asked about how barriers are assessed during fish migration periods, how private land access affects inventory work, how local governments can report completed corrections, and how the prioritization criteria weight Chinook salmon and southern resident orca recovery. Jameson said urban areas with downstream barriers or heavily altered streams may be less recoverable, while rural watersheds may offer greater benefit. He also explained the federal culvert injunction, including ongoing obligations for state agencies and DOT’s 2030 target, and said the injunction never fully ends because new barriers are continually discovered and must be addressed over time. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can see a corresponding proportional drop in steelhead production. That's an issue.
• A recent NOAA paper looked at salmon and steelhead populations across the West Coast and found mixed
• We have Darren Maru, who is here, chair of the California Advisory Committee on Salmon and Steelhead
• We have Darren Maru, who is here, chair of the California Advisory Committee on Salmon and Steelhead
• On salmon and steelhead trout. And Dr. Whitman is here.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture held its annual State of the Fishery forum, focusing on salmon, Dungeness crab, kelp, ocean conditions, and related aquaculture and committee reports. Opening remarks from committee leadership emphasized climate impacts, reduced federal NOAA support, state investments through Proposition 4, coastal resilience funding, and the importance of fisheries to rural economies and tribal communities. Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot described a decade of drought and climate stress, highlighted progress such as Klamath River dam removal, wetland restoration, and the state’s salmon strategy, and warned that federal funding uncertainty and staffing cuts could undermine restoration and fishery recovery efforts. Senator Cortese raised concerns about illegal cannabis cultivation damaging riparian habitat and water flows, and both Crowfoot and Fish and Wildlife Director Bonham said enforcement against illicit grows remains a major environmental priority but is constrained by resources. Director Bonham provided a broad update on California fisheries, reporting encouraging signs for salmon after several difficult years, including improved ocean conditions, stronger returns in some runs, and successful short recreational openings in 2025. He also noted major challenges, including reduced federal hatchery production at Nimbus, ongoing uncertainty around winter-run and spring-run recovery, and the need for continued habitat restoration, monitoring, and hatchery investment. On Dungeness crab, Bonham said the fishery remained valuable but constrained by whale entanglement risk, warming ocean conditions, and domoic acid concerns; he described new marked-line distribution, ropeless and alternative gear trials, and ongoing aerial and vessel monitoring. He also said the department’s unified cannabis enforcement task force had served numerous warrants and seized large amounts of illegal cannabis, but more funding is needed for sustained operations. In the salmon panel, Yurok Tribe fisheries director McCovey said the Klamath still faces low run sizes, climate-driven warming, wildfire impacts, and federal uncertainty, but he pointed to dam removal, restoration work, and AB 263’s river-flow protections as major advances. PCFFA president Bradshaw stressed that the three consecutive salmon closures have devastated coastal communities and argued for major reinvestment in aging Central Valley hatchery infrastructure and better broodstock management at Fall Creek. CalTrout’s Schneider said salmon remain at risk statewide, but cited Prop 4, habitat reconnection, floodplain restoration, improved water management, and monitoring as the main tools for recovery. In the crab panel, CDFW’s Schumann reported that the 2024–25 season produced record prices per pound and about $55 million in value despite delays and trap reductions, but he warned that three confirmed whale entanglements and elevated whale presence could force a conservative opener for 2025–26. PCFFA’s Domrash supported marked line, alternative gear, and a new gear-recovery network, while also criticizing the current ramp system as a response to a problem not fully grounded in science.

Transcript Highlights:

• The measure included several declarations relating to management of salmon and steelhead resources, including
• And finally, that any special... ...relating to management of salmon and steelhead resources, including
• leaders struck a more cooperative tone and began working together on the management of salmon and steelhead
• Many of these agreements today provide us the opportunity to enjoy the salmon. ...of salmon and steelhead

Bills: HB2104, HB2554, HB2619

Keywords: aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, tribal rights, fishing rights, salmon management, state-tribal agreements, natural resources, agriculture, regulations, farming, compliance, economic impact, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Steelhead trout are equally vital.
• SB 1393 strengthens the Steelhead Trout Fishing Report Restoration Card Program.
• The Steelhead Trout Fishing Report Restoration Card Program.
• I'll talk briefly about the steelhead report card portion of the bill.
• As you may be aware, steelhead anglers are a pretty passionate bunch. I'm one myself.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote. Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting. The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Steelhead trout are equally vital.
• SB 1393 strengthens the Steelhead Trout Fishing Report Restoration Card Program.
• The Steelhead Trout Fishing Report Restoration Card Program.
• I'll talk briefly about the steelhead report card portion of the bill.
• The steelhead angling community knows this program. They're used to it. They like it.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. Supporters from The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, CalTrout, and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations said the bill would strengthen the steelhead report card program, refine crab fishery rules, and clarify vessel transit through closed crab areas. There was no opposition, and the bill was accepted with amendments and moved on a 4-0 vote to the Appropriations Committee. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, with performance targets and coordination with wildlife agencies. The author and supporters argued it would improve ecosystem connectivity, reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, and save money by integrating crossings, culverts, and fencing into planned projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to neutral after amendments clarifying the bill would apply to transportation rights-of-way and not create exactions on private property. The bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. Members then considered SB 1212, which would repeal California’s ban on importing and selling kangaroo products. The author argued kangaroo harvest in Australia is tightly regulated and that California’s ban is outdated, while opponents from Humane World for Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and others said the bill would reopen the market to products from a cruel commercial slaughter industry and undermine long-standing wildlife protections. No motion was taken at that point. The committee also heard SB 1268, codifying the Outdoors for All initiative, which supporters said would protect and expand equitable access to parks and outdoor recreation; it advanced 3-0. Finally, the committee heard three Western Joshua Tree bills from Senator Arreguín: SB 1061, SB 1062, and SB 1063. Supporters from water agencies, local governments, and industry said the bills would reduce fees and streamline permitting for tree relocation, public infrastructure, and basic utility hookups in desert communities. Opponents withdrew or softened opposition on the first two bills after amendments, but objected to SB 1063 as too broad. SB 1061 and SB 1062 each passed 2-0 to Appropriations, while SB 1063 was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Steelhead trout are equally vital.
• SB 1393 strengthens the Steelhead Trout Fishing Report Restoration Card Program.
• The Steelhead Trout Fishing Report Restoration Card Program.
• I'll talk briefly about the steelhead report card portion of the bill.
• The steelhead angling community knows this program. They're used to it. They like it.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We support this bill that would create a potential new revenue source of funds to protect salmon, steelhead
• A study done by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife found that endangered winter steelhead had
• A study done by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife found that endangered winter steelhead had
• more money out of anglers when we just got this past year the January 1 Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead
• It's been found that up to 42% of steelhead and 13% of Chinook die following exposure to 6-PPD.

Bills: HB2131, HB2221, HJM4009, HB2619

Keywords: sea lion, predation control, salmon preservation, fishing industry, voluntary donations, ungulate, wildlife conservation, ecosystem management, population sustainability, environmental impact, wildfire, federal response, community protection, natural resources, firefighter safety, agriculture, regulations, farming, compliance, economic impact

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2221, which would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to designate at-risk ungulate populations and trigger predator mitigation if populations in the federal delisting area fall 25% below a 10-year rolling average. The sponsor, Rep. Hunter Abel, said the bill is meant to address declining deer and elk herds in northeast Washington, support tribal and subsistence hunting, and help rural economies. Staff explained the bill’s definitions and reporting requirements, while committee questions focused on what animals count as ungulates and whether livestock are included. Public testimony was sharply divided: supporters, including some local residents, a sheriff, a county commissioner, cattle and farm groups, and a tribes representative, argued that predators are contributing to herd declines and economic harm; opponents, including WDFW, Washington Wildlife First, Sierra Club, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and conservation groups, said the science does not support predator control as an effective way to boost ungulate populations and pointed instead to habitat, forage, weather, disease, and vehicle collisions. WDFW said parts of the bill are impractical and costly, while some supporters asked for amendments, especially on in-state wolf translocation. The hearing closed with the record showing 138 in favor, 339 opposed, and no other signed in without testifying. The committee then heard House Bill 2619, which would create a joint legislative task force to review and recommend ways to reduce regulatory stress in agriculture, including rules on land use, water stewardship, grazing, and pesticides. Rep. Tom Dent said the bill grows out of prior task force work on farm stress and suicide, and is intended to ease financial and mental health pressures on producers by reducing regulatory overload. The Washington State Department of Agriculture testified in support of the concept but noted a fiscal note and said it was working with the sponsor to reduce the cost. Farm and commodity groups also supported the bill, describing it as a practical response to stress on family farms. The committee then moved to House Joint Memorial 4009, which asks Congress to ensure federal wildfire response agencies remain capable of protecting communities, natural resources, and firefighter safety amid federal consolidation of wildfire programs. Rep. Springer and multiple tribal, county, forest industry, conservation, and public employee witnesses supported the memorial and repeatedly tied it to restoring full funding for state wildfire resilience efforts, especially House Bill 1168 funding, arguing that state and federal investments together reduce fire risk and costs. The memorial hearing ended with the record showing 181 in favor, two opposed, and no other signed in without testifying. The committee returned to House Bill 2221 for public testimony. WDFW said it supports the goal of healthy herds but raised concerns about feasibility, cost, and the bill’s harvest benchmarks. Opponents again argued that predator control is not supported by the science and that habitat and forage are the main drivers of ungulate trends. Supporters, including tribal, county, ranching, and local resident witnesses, said deer and elk declines are visible on the ground and are affecting hunting, tourism, livestock, and rural life. Several witnesses requested amendments, especially to the in-state wolf translocation language. After closing the hearing, the committee began House Bill 2131, which would add a voluntary $1-or-more donation option to vessel registrations to support sea lion predation control and salmon preservation in the Lower Columbia River. Staff explained that the account would fund pinniped management and not supplant existing funds, and noted an amendment delaying implementation from July 1 to October 1, 2026. The sponsor, Rep. Ed Orcutt, began his testimony describing sea lion impacts on Columbia River salmon and the need for the donation mechanism.

Transcript Highlights:

• We support this bill that would create a potential new revenue source of funds to protect salmon, steelhead
• A study done by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife found that endangered winter steelhead had
• A study done by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife found that endangered winter steelhead had
• more money out of anglers when we just got this past year the January 1 Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead
• It's been found that up to 42% of steelhead and 13% of Chinook die following exposure to 6PPD.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2619, which would create a joint legislative task force to review and recommend ways to reduce regulatory burdens in agriculture, and on House Joint Memorial 4009, which asks Congress to ensure federal wildfire response agencies remain capable of protecting communities, natural resources, and firefighter safety. On HB 2619, the prime sponsor and supporters from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, cattle, wheat, potato, onion, and dairy interests said the bill responds to farm stress and suicide concerns by examining regulatory overload; WSDA supported the concept but noted a fiscal note, and members discussed whether the task force scope and cost could be reduced before policy cutoff. On HJM 4009, staff and the sponsor described the memorial as a request for stronger federal wildfire capacity and coordination, with testimony from tribes, counties, forest landowners, conservation groups, and public employees emphasizing wildfire risk, smoke impacts, and the importance of federal-state cooperation; the committee also repeatedly tied the memorial to support for state wildfire funding under 1168 and heard broad support for restoring that funding. The committee then took up House Bill 2221, which would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to designate at-risk ungulate populations and begin predator mitigation when certain population declines occur, while also requiring annual reporting and white-tailed deer surveys. The sponsor argued the bill addresses rapidly declining deer and elk herds, predator pressure, food security, and rural economies in northeast Washington. Supporters included some local residents, ranchers, sheriffs, county officials, and the Colville Tribes, who said predators, livestock conflicts, and reduced hunting opportunity are harming communities and that the state should act more aggressively. Opponents included WDFW staff, Washington Wildlife First, the Sierra Club, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and other conservation voices, who said the bill is not scientifically supported, would be costly, and wrongly blames predators rather than habitat, forage, weather, disease, and vehicle collisions; several said predator control would have limited value and could undermine wolf recovery. Some agricultural and sportsmen groups supported the bill in principle but asked for amendments, especially to remove or revise the in-state wolf translocation provision. No final votes or executive action were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• this happened when we've seen those suspensions occur, it killed 10 million migrating salmon and steelhead
• It killed 10 million migrating salmon and steelhead.
• The last time this happened, millions of migrating salmon and steelhead were killed.
• Salmon and steelhead were killed.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2515, which addresses emerging large energy use facilities, especially data centers. Staff explained that the bill requires utilities to adopt tariffs or policies for data centers, adds reporting and sustainability requirements, sets renewable energy targets, and creates a sales tax exemption for certain eligible data center equipment in eastern Washington. The House sponsor said the bill is intended to protect ratepayers, grid reliability, water resources, and Washington’s climate goals as data center growth accelerates. Tribal representatives and several environmental and labor witnesses urged restoring provisions removed from the House version, especially authority to curtail data center load during energy emergencies and to refuse service if reliability or affordability would be harmed; they also asked for stronger water reporting and protections for salmon. Utility, business, and data center industry witnesses supported the bill’s general framework but raised concerns about implementation, costs, and some of the added requirements, while some opposed the tax exemption and the loss of earlier protections. No final action on 2515 was taken during the hearing portion shown. The committee then heard and acted on several bills in executive session. It passed Substitute House Bill 1302, which allows municipal utilities to waive connection charges for industrial symbiosis projects. It also passed House Bill 2338 on community-scaled weatherization projects after rejecting an amendment, and House Bill 2367 on eliminating preferential treatment for a coal-fired plant after rejecting an amendment. Substitute House Bill 2496 on tribal consultation by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council was amended and then passed, while amendments to change public meeting and tribal summary provisions were rejected. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2225 on AI companion chatbots, House Bill 2426 on PCHB efficiency and appeals, House Bill 2606 on the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, Engrossed House Bill 2575 on reducing reporting obligations, and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2215 on Climate Commitment Act compliance for fuels were also advanced, with some amendments adopted and others rejected. The committee then reopened public hearing on House Bill 2416, which would treat a Spokane waste-to-energy facility differently under the Climate Commitment Act by allocating no-cost allowances in the second compliance period and requiring a decarbonization and waste-reduction plan. Spokane city officials, labor, environmental groups, and Ecology generally supported the bill as a balanced approach that protects ratepayers while allowing the facility to decarbonize, though Avista raised a concern about language implying a utility compliance obligation. After that, the committee resumed testimony on House Bill 1170, which requires large AI providers to offer provenance tools and disclosures for AI-generated or altered images, video, and audio. Supporters said the bill would help workers and consumers identify synthetic media and prevent impersonation and misinformation, while industry and civil liberties witnesses argued the bill is technically difficult, uses new definitions, and may be unworkable or premature compared with California’s evolving approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• The measure included several declarations relating to management of salmon and steelhead resources, including
• resources are responsibilities of the state of Washington. ...relating to management of salmon and steelhead
• leaders struck a more cooperative tone and began working together on the management of salmon and steelhead

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several House bills. ESHB 2238 would require the Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy, monitor food system performance, and report on agricultural regulatory costs and competitiveness; the sponsor and many stakeholders from agriculture, food banks, school nutrition, counties, and advocacy groups supported it as a coordinated response to food insecurity and farm viability, while one requested amendment was addressed on the House floor. HB 2199 would expand the derelict vessel removal program by changing the definition of derelict vessel to allow earlier intervention when vessels are unregistered for two annual periods; ports, local officials, and environmental advocates testified in support, and the bill had no fiscal impact noted. HB 2104 would remove the sunset from the Aviation Assurance Funding Program for wildland fire response, with support from fire chiefs and the sponsor emphasizing its value for rapid initial attack and cost savings. HB 2554 would repeal statutes from Initiative 456 that conflict with treaty fishing rights; the Attorney General’s Office, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the sponsor supported repeal as necessary to remove unenforceable anti-tribal language, while testimony comments showed substantial opposition. HB 2619 would create a legislative task force to review regulatory stress in agriculture and recommend changes; the sponsor linked it to farmer mental health and suicide prevention, and there was no public testimony. HB 2343 would require public game farms operated by Fish and Wildlife to obtain water discharge permits and meet manure/runoff controls; staff noted it would apply to the known public facility and carry modest compliance costs, with no public testimony. The committee also unanimously waived the five-day notice rule for HB 2104, 2554, 2619, and 2343, and closed the hearings without taking final votes, planning to consider all six bills in executive session at a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are prioritizing salmon habitat in the basin for threatened Chinook and steelhead, working for local
• specifically designed to produce more cold, clean water for summer spawning of Chinook salmon and for steelhead
• , Mid-Columbia Fisheries, as it advances flood protection, enhances Whiskey Creek, supports wild steelhead

Bills: SB6003, HB2353, HB2431, HB1983

Keywords: capital budget, funding, infrastructure, state projects, budget allocation, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning, construction costs, inflation adjustment, capital facilities, project review, allotments, lease approval

Transcript Highlights:

• this happened, when we've seen those suspensions occur, it killed 10 million migrating salmon and steelhead
• It killed 10 million migrating salmon and steelhead.
• The last time this happened, millions of migrating salmon and steelhead were killed.

Bills: HB2338, HB2367, HB2426, HB2606

Keywords: weatherization, energy efficiency, community projects, sustainability, environment, coal-fired plant, preferential treatment, energy policy, electric generation, regulatory reform, pollution control, efficiency, appeals process, environmental regulation, hearing board, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• recommendations regarding agency actions, legislation, and budget priorities to enhance salmon and steelhead
• Despite decades of work and significant investments, salmon and steelhead populations continue to decline
• Despite decades of work and significant investments, salmon and steelhead populations continue to decline

Bills: HB2598, HB2620, HB2104, HB2348, HB2544, HB2554, HJM4009

Keywords: anadromous fish, environmental conservation, state coordination, wildlife recovery, fisheries management, forest management, natural resources, collaboration, forest practices, sustainability, aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, timber sales, land sales, process efficiency, legislation, department language

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 2598, which would create a Salmon Advisory Commission to coordinate salmon and steelhead recovery efforts among tribes, state agencies, legislators, and local governments. The prime sponsor argued the commission would improve coordination, elevate tribal co-management, and address fragmented recovery efforts. Supporters emphasized salmon’s cultural and treaty importance and the need for a formal statewide forum, while the lone public testifier from Washington Policy Center opposed adding another statewide body and urged more local control. The bill drew strong opposition in sign-in sheets, with 10 in favor, 886 opposed, and one other. The committee then heard House Bill 2620, which would repeal the recently adopted non-fish-bearing stream buffer rule and change how future riparian buffer rules are evaluated. The ranking member said the bill was intended to restore collaboration and ensure stakeholders were heard. Testimony split sharply: tribal, Ecology, DNR, conservation, and environmental witnesses defended the rule as science-based, necessary for water quality, and consistent with the Forest and Fish adaptive management process; timber, small forest landowner, and county representatives said the process broke down, the rule was too burdensome, and economic impacts on rural communities were not adequately considered. Committee members questioned witnesses extensively about consensus, Ecology’s role in concurrence, economic analysis, and the history of the rulemaking. Sign-in sheets showed 592 in favor, 489 opposed, and one other. In executive session, the committee first passed House Bill 2104, which removes the sunset from the Aviation Assurance Funding Program, by an 11-0 vote. It also passed House Bill 2348, a Department of Natural Resources request bill making changes to land and material sale advertising procedures, by 11-0. House Joint Memorial 4009, urging federal action on wildfire management of national forest lands, also passed 11-0. House Bill 2554, which repeals Initiative 456 concerning state declarations on tribal natural resource management and fishing rights, passed 7-4 after a roll call vote, with several members voting no without recommendation. The committee then moved on to House Bill 2544, but the transcript cuts off before that vote was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are prioritizing salmon habitat in the fight for threatened Chinook and steelhead, working for local
• specifically designed to produce more cold, clean water for summer spawning of Chinook salmon and for steelhead
• and Mid-Columbia Fisheries, as it advances flood protection, enhances Whiskey Creek, supports wild steelhead

Summary: The committee first heard a briefing on the proposed Senate capital budget, Substitute Senate Bill 6003, which would spend about $723 million total using debt-limit bonds, Climate Commitment Act funds, and other cash resources. Staff described major investments in housing and homelessness, human services, local infrastructure, flood response, water conservation and clean energy, K-12 school modernization and seismic work, and higher education projects. Members then took public testimony from a wide range of advocates and project sponsors, most of whom urged the Senate to preserve or increase funding for specific projects in the final budget, including affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, child care facilities, food banks, behavioral health and substance use treatment centers, tribal courthouse relocation, school modernization, community colleges, university projects, floodplain restoration, community forests, and local civic or cultural facilities. Several witnesses also asked the Senate to match or approach House funding levels on items such as the Housing Trust Fund, permanent supportive housing, the Community Forest Program, Floodplains by Design, and CCA-supported clean energy and water projects. The chair noted that amendments to the capital budget were due the next day at noon. The committee then received a briefing on Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251, which would restructure Climate Commitment Act accounts by repealing three existing accounts and replacing them with two new accounts: a CCA operating account and a CCA capital account. Staff explained that the bill would preserve most existing uses while changing revenue distribution formulas, capping Ecology administrative costs, expanding allowable uses for EV-related costs, housing, and carbon capture/sequestration, and changing reporting and tribal consultation provisions. The bill also shifts some reporting from annual to biannual and modifies the thresholds for tribal-supported and overburdened-community investments. The fiscal note was described as relatively small, with the main impact being the revised revenue allocation structure. Public testimony on the CCA bill was mixed. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, said the restructuring better aligns spending with the intent of the CCA and could improve investments for tribes and overburdened communities. Critics, including the Washington Policy Center, argued the bill still lacks strong requirements to ensure CCA spending is effective and objected to reducing the frequency of the state’s climate-spending report. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 456, which passed in 1984, and contains several declarations relating to management of salmon and steelhead

Bills: HB2104, HB2223, HB2348, HB2554, HB2619

Keywords: aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, irrigation, district director, contracts, beneficial interests, agriculture, timber sales, land sales, process efficiency, legislation, department language, tribal rights, fishing rights, salmon management, state-tribal agreements, natural resources