Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington House Bill HB1775

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/6/23  
Report Pass
2/15/23  
Refer
2/16/23  
Engrossed
2/28/23  
Refer
3/2/23  
Report Pass
3/23/23  
Enrolled
4/19/23  
Chaptered
5/4/23  

Caption

Limiting liability for salmon recovery projects performed by regional fisheries enhancement groups.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding environmental conservation efforts, particularly those concerning salmon recovery. With the passage of HB1775, regional fisheries enhancement groups may find it easier to pursue necessary recovery projects without the fear of legal repercussions should complications arise during their work. This legal safety net could lead to increased investment in salmon recovery initiatives, ultimately benefiting the environment and local ecosystems where salmon populations are critical.

Summary

House Bill 1775 aims to limit liability for salmon recovery projects undertaken by regional fisheries enhancement groups. This legislation is designed to provide legal protections to these organizations when they engage in conservation and recovery efforts for salmon populations. By establishing specific legal boundaries for liability, the bill intends to encourage more robust participation from fisheries enhancement groups in such ecological initiatives, while ensuring they are not deterred by the potential risk of litigation.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around HB1775 appears to be largely positive among supporters, who view the bill as a necessary step toward enhancing conservation efforts. Legislative discussions indicate that many believe providing liability limitations will foster greater collaboration and innovation within the fisheries sector. Nevertheless, critics may voice concerns about the implications for accountability, questioning whether limiting liability could lead to lowered standards in project execution or environmental oversight.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB1775 include debates on the balance between encouraging conservation initiatives and maintaining accountability for the outcomes of those efforts. Opponents of the bill may argue that while liability limitations can promote engagement, they could inadvertently diminish the incentives for fisheries enhancement groups to adhere to high environmental standards. Consequently, this creates a conflict between providing necessary support for recovery projects and ensuring that adequate oversight and accountability mechanisms remain in place.

Companion Bills

WA SB5693

Crossfiled Limiting liability for salmon recovery projects performed by regional fisheries enhancement groups.

Previously Filed As

WA SB5693

Limiting liability for salmon recovery projects performed by regional fisheries enhancement groups.

WA SB5475

Concerning maintenance for salmon recovery projects.

WA SB5318

Limiting estate recovery.

WA HB2235

Improving publicly available data on Washington state's water quality to improve salmon recovery and the prioritization of salmon recovery projects.

WA HB2289

Providing a sales and use tax exemption for inputs required for salmon recovery projects.

WA HB1686

Concerning salmon recovery reform.

WA SB5383

Providing a sales and use tax exemption for inputs required for salmon recovery projects.

WA SB5155

Extending a program to streamline the environmental permitting process for salmon recovery projects.

WA HB1208

Extending a program to streamline the environmental permitting process for salmon recovery projects.

WA SB5305

Concerning the new environmental accelerator for salmon recovery and ecological resiliency projects.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.