WashingtonSB 51652025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning compensation in frontier counties for deer and elk damage.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Appeal wildlife damage claim decisions

If the department denies your claim or you disagree with the payment amount, you can appeal under commission rules. For deer or elk damage to commercial crops, the appeal is capped at $30,000.

Farm claim payments and priorities

Payments are not guaranteed and depend on specific funding. If money runs out this year, awarded claims can be paid next fiscal year; if no new money is approved for unpaid claims, no more is paid. Each year, the department pays claims with the highest percentage loss first, based on last year’s gross sales. At least 20% of crop-damage funds go to claims from frontier one counties; leftover money can go to others if frontier claims are too few. The commission sets limits and conditions on how the department spends money on claims and mitigation.

Wildlife damage payments for farms

The department pays owners of commercial crops for damage caused by deer or elk. It also pays livestock owners when bears, wolves, or cougars kill animals or injure them enough to cut their market value. To qualify, the crop owner must meet the state’s “eligible farmer” definition, meet RCW 77.36.110, and meet commission damage rules. Your loss must be at least $500.

Help to prevent wildlife damage

The department can give materials or services to help prevent wildlife damage. You must apply, and the actions must address damage that meets the commission’s rules. The commission sets which prevention actions qualify and how to apply.

Help for non-farm property damage

The department may pay for wildlife damage to property that is not crops or livestock when nonstate funds or a specific appropriation are available. You must meet RCW 77.36.110 and the commission’s damage rules. The commission writes rules on what qualifies and how to file a claim.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Shelly Short
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Judy Warnick
Republican • Senate
Keith Wagoner
Republican • Senate
Mike Chapman
Democratic • Senate
Perry Dozier
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 0

House vote • 4/11/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 2/19/2025