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HB 1646

Adding the department of natural resources' civil enforcement decisions under RCW 76.04.205 to appeals that may be heard by the pollution control hearings board.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ed Orcutt and 2 co-sponsors

HB 1646 allows appeals of DNR forestry civil enforcement decisions to be heard by the Pollution Control Hearings Board, establishing a formal appellate process for violations under RCW 76.04.205.

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Bill Summary · HB 1646

Legislative bill overview

HB 1646 expands the jurisdiction of Washington's Pollution Control Hearings Board to hear appeals of civil enforcement decisions made by the Department of Natural Resources under RCW 76.04.205 (forestry regulations). Currently, these DNR enforcement decisions lack a specified appellate forum, creating a potential gap in administrative review procedures.

Why is this important

This bill clarifies the appeals process for forestry-related civil violations, ensuring affected parties have a standardized, independent venue to challenge DNR enforcement actions. It improves administrative consistency by routing these appeals through an established board rather than requiring litigation or leaving decisions unchallenged.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of DNR authority: Questions about whether expanding appeal options undermines enforcement effectiveness or appropriately constrains agency discretion
  • Hearings board capacity: The Pollution Control Hearings Board's ability to handle additional case types without resource constraints or delays
  • Definition of covered violations: Ambiguity about which specific civil enforcement decisions fall under RCW 76.04.205 and whether the scope is appropriately limited

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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