WashingtonSB 55832025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Concerning recreational fishing and hunting licenses.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

12 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 4 costs, 4 mixed.

Discounted and free licenses for veterans

Beginning July 1, 2025, eligible veterans, people with disabilities, and certain guard members can get discounted or free licenses. A qualifying person can get a combination fishing license for $6.90 per year. Some hunting licenses cost the youth rate for eligible people with disabilities. Nonresident veterans who meet the rules pay the same as nondisabled Washington residents. You must apply in writing and the department must verify eligibility.

Youth licenses and age rules change

Beginning July 1, 2025, anyone under 16 counts as a youth for fishing and hunting licenses. People must now be 16 or older to need a personal-use fishing license. A 15-year-old no longer needs to buy a license, which can save families money.

Turkey and pheasant tag dollars earmarked

Beginning July 1, 2025, two‑thirds of turkey tag money must fund turkey and upland bird work. Five percent of each small game license must fund the eastern Washington pheasant enhancement account. These funds add to, not replace, other funding for these purposes.

Where your fishing license money goes

Starting July 1, 2025, set shares of fishing license money go to named accounts. For example, 6.8% from freshwater and combo licenses goes to warm water fish work. Twelve percent from saltwater and combo licenses goes to recreational fisheries enhancement. Other set shares fund regional enhancement groups and rockfish research.

Hunting license prices set by law

Beginning July 1, 2025, the law lists fixed prices for many hunting licenses, tags, and permits. It sets resident, nonresident, resident senior, and youth amounts. For example, a resident big game license is $117.30 and a nonresident big game license is $1,076.40.

Hunting reporting penalties and program funds

Beginning July 1, 2025, if you fail to report required hunting harvest or effort, the commission can set an administrative penalty. You may have to complete your report and pay the penalty before getting a new hunting license. Also, master hunter permit receipts must go to the enforcement reward account and be used only to run the master hunter program.

New bird permits and draw fees

Beginning July 1, 2025, anyone 16 or older must have a migratory bird permit to hunt migratory birds. You also need a migratory bird authorization to hunt band-tailed pigeons, brant, sea ducks, snow geese, or southwest Canada geese. The commission requires an application fee to enter drawings for special hunts and may let you apply for multiple permits. Raffle tickets for big game or turkey permits can cost up to $30 each.

Possible future surcharges on licenses

Starting September 1, 2027, the commission may add a uniform percentage surcharge to many recreational license fees if needed to fund costs approved in the budget. It must set the surcharge by November 1 of each odd-numbered year and keep it no higher than needed. Transaction fees, dealer fees, and commercial application fees are excluded.

Catch cards: fees and crab reporting

Beginning July 1, 2025, duplicate or replacement catch record cards may have a fee. If you had a Puget Sound Dungeness crab endorsed catch card and did not report as required, you may need to report and pay an administrative penalty before getting a new endorsed card. Eleven percent of Dungeness crab endorsement money must remove derelict shellfish gear, and the rest funds crab fishery management and education. Money from halibut catch cards must support monitoring, management, and expanding recreational halibut fishing.

Fishing license prices and options

Beginning July 1, 2025, the law sets fixed prices for many fishing licenses and endorsements. The commission can sell combination licenses at or below the total price of the parts and the director can run short-term discounts. If allowed by rule, you must buy a two‑pole endorsement to use a second fishing pole; that money supports state fish hatcheries.

Hunter education: proof, deferral, discount

Beginning July 1, 2025, people under 18 must show hunter education certification to buy any hunting license. First-time buyers born after January 1, 1972 also must show it. The director can allow a one-time, one-year deferral if you hunt with a licensed adult 18 or older and may charge an application fee. Current or retired federal peace officers are exempt from the firearms skills part of the online course. The commission may offer a one-time discount up to $20 for first-time resident hunters who complete Washington’s hunter education.

Old temporary wildlife rules repealed

On July 1, 2025, the law repeals listed uncodified provisions from past acts. This cleans up earlier temporary or special-session rules. Most households will not see direct changes.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Marko Liias
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

June Robinson
Democratic • Senate
T'wina Nobles
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 76 • No: 70

House vote • 4/23/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 51 • No: 46 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/26/2025