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WashingtonHB 20032025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning the Columbia river recreational salmon and steelhead endorsement program.

Sponsored By: Kristine Reeves (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Dedicated funding for Columbia River fishing

Beginning January 1, 2026, all endorsement receipts and program gifts go into a dedicated account held by the state treasurer. Money can only support selective recreational salmon and steelhead fishing on the Columbia River and its tributaries. Uses include monitoring, hatchery production, seal and sea lion removal, and enforcement. Spending requires approval from the department director or designee and follows state spending-plan rules, but needs no legislative appropriation. By December 1, 2026, the department and relevant stakeholders must review activities and send legislative committees a summary and recommendation on continuation. The account and review provisions expire January 1, 2028.

New fee for Columbia River anglers

Beginning January 1, 2026, recreational salmon and steelhead anglers age 15 or older need an endorsement plus their fishing license. This applies to fisheries authorized by Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife on the Columbia River and its tributaries. The covered river runs from the Rocky Point, Washington–Tongue Point, Oregon line to Chief Joseph Dam. The endorsement costs residents and nonresidents $7.50, with a $6 rate for youth and seniors. The endorsement requirement expires January 1, 2028.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kristine Reeves

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Fitzgibbon

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 131 • No: 112

House vote • 4/26/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 53 • No: 45

Senate vote • 4/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 25 • No: 23

House vote • 4/18/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 53 • No: 44 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 1/1/2026.

    5/17/2025House

  2. Chapter 321, 2025 Laws.

    5/17/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    5/17/2025legislature

  4. President signed.

    4/27/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/27/2025legislature

  6. Delivered to Governor.

    4/27/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 25; nays, 23; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/26/2025House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/26/2025House

  9. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.

    4/26/2025House

  10. Passed final passage; yeas, 53; nays, 45; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/26/2025House

  11. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    4/26/2025House

  12. Minority; without recommendation.

    4/25/2025House

  13. Minority; do not pass.

    4/25/2025House

  14. WM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    4/25/2025House

  15. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    4/25/2025House

  16. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/25/2025House

  17. First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

    4/21/2025House

  18. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/18/2025House

  19. Third reading, passed; yeas, 53; nays, 44; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/18/2025House

  20. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/8/2025House

  21. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/28/2025House

  22. Minority; do not pass.

    2/26/2025House

  23. APP - Majority; do pass.

    2/26/2025House

  24. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/26/2025House

  25. First reading, referred to Appropriations.

    2/20/2025House

Bill Text

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