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HB 2107

Enabling the preservation of cultural treaty harvesting rights of Indian tribes by providing free licenses issued under Title 77 RCW to tribal members.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 8 co-sponsors

Washington bill would issue free hunting/fishing licenses to enrolled tribal members to preserve exercise of federally protected treaty harvesting rights.

First reading, referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources.
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Bill Summary · HB 2107

Legislative bill overview

HB 2107 would provide free hunting and fishing licenses to enrolled members of federally recognized Indian tribes in Washington State under Title 77 RCW (state fish and wildlife regulations). The bill aims to reduce financial barriers to tribal members exercising treaty-protected harvesting rights that predate state regulatory authority.

Why is this important

Treaty rights to hunt and fish are federally protected agreements that tribes negotiated with the U.S. government and predates Washington's statehood. Eliminating license fees removes a state-imposed cost that some argue burdens the exercise of these constitutionally recognized rights, while also potentially increasing participation in traditional cultural practices tied to tribal sovereignty and food security.

Potential points of contention

  • State revenue impact: Eliminates a funding source for Washington's fish and wildlife management programs, requiring alternative revenue mechanisms or budget reallocation
  • License system administration: Creates a separate regulatory category requiring verification of tribal enrollment status and potential disputes over which tribes qualify
  • Non-tribal hunter concerns: May create perception of unequal treatment, though treaty rights holders legally have different status than general public hunters

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

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