The 2023 Washington legislative session wrapped up on the evening of Sunday, April 23 and looking at the session from Wild Steelheaders United and Trout Unlimited’s perspective, it was a very productive year.
Take Action to Reduce Harvest Impacts on Columbia River Steelhead
On Thursday, February 2, the Washington State Legislature will have its first hearing on SB 5297, the bill to limit non-tribal commercial gillnetting in the Columbia River mainstem.
Legislation Introduced to Remove Non-Tribal Gillnets from the Lower Columbia Mainstem
Kicking off the start of the 2023 Washington Legislative session, Senator Van De Wege (D-24) has introduced a new piece of legislation at the request of Governor Inslee that would permanently remove non-tribal commercial gillnet fisheries from the Washington side of the Lower Columbia River.
Washington Gov. Inslee Steps Up for Steelhead
Last week, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed the state’s 2022 supplementary budget into law, which included almost $15 million for a voluntary buyback program in the Columbia River for non-tribal commercial gillnet licenses.
The 2022 Washington state legislative wrap-up: What’s in it for steelhead?
March 10 marked the end of the 2022 Washington State Legislative Session. For a short session, it was a remarkably busy non-budget year in which several important issues on steelhead were decided.
January Legislative Update: Washington
In January, the Washington legislature commenced a “short session” that will end on March 10. We are tracking a variety of bills during the 2022 session that relate to wild steelhead issues.
2021 Washington State Legislative Post-Session Summary: What’s in it for steelhead?
Last month, the 2021 Washington State legislative session wrapped up and aside from a particular veto by Governor Inslee last week, the overall session was productive for steelhead recovery and fisheries across the state.
Governor Inslee uses veto power to strike down voluntary Columbia gillnet license buyback program
Washington’s Governor Jay Inslee took two actions over the past week that represent steps backward in steelhead and salmon conservation.
Washington state legislative preview: What’s in it for steelhead?
Monday the 11th marked the start of the 2021 legislative session in Olympia, with important implications for steelhead in Washington State. Washington operates on a biennial budget system, and this year — a budget year — the state must fund its state agencies and programs for the next two years.