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Bill

HB 1955

Encouraging youth participation in fishing and shellfishing.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Dent and 3 co-sponsors

Washington HB 1955 promotes youth fishing and shellfishing participation to build recreational engagement and conservation awareness among young people.

Public hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 10:30 AM.
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Bill Summary · HB 1955

Legislative bill overview

HB 1955 is a Washington state bill designed to increase youth engagement in fishing and shellfishing activities. The bill is currently in early legislative stages, having just been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources following its first reading in February 2025.

Why is this important

Youth participation in fishing and shellfishing programs supports outdoor recreation literacy, builds conservation awareness, and can strengthen support for fish and wildlife management funding long-term. These activities also provide accessible outdoor experiences that benefit mental health and physical activity, particularly for underserved communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanisms: The bill's cost and how it will be funded (general fund, license fee adjustments, or grants) remains unclear and could face budget scrutiny
  • Environmental safeguards: Questions may arise about whether increased youth access requires specific environmental protections or harvest limits to prevent overfishing of certain species
  • Implementation details: Specifics on which youth populations are targeted, age ranges, geographic areas, and partnership requirements with schools or nonprofits are not yet publicly detailed

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

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