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SB 5699

Increasing the compensation for members of the fish and wildlife commission.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Hunt and 5 co-sponsors

Washington bill increases compensation for Fish and Wildlife Commission members to improve recruitment and retention of citizen board overseeing state wildlife policy and management.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · SB 5699

Legislative bill overview

SB 5699 proposes to increase the compensation paid to members of Washington's Fish and Wildlife Commission, the citizen board that oversees the state's fish and wildlife management policies. The bill has been reintroduced in the 2024 session after stalling in committee during the 2023 legislative year without action despite a public hearing.

Why is this important

Fish and Wildlife Commission members are unpaid or minimally compensated volunteers who make consequential decisions affecting hunting, fishing, conservation, and environmental policy across the state. Increasing compensation could improve recruitment and retention of qualified commissioners, potentially bringing more expertise and diverse perspectives to wildlife management decisions that affect public recreation, ecosystem health, and tribal interests.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budgetary priorities: Opponents may question whether increasing commissioner compensation is a justified use of state funds when other natural resources programs face budget constraints
  • Public service expectations: Some may argue that commission service is a civic responsibility that shouldn't require higher pay, or that compensation could create conflicts of interest or attract self-interested candidates
  • Adequacy of increase: Stakeholders may disagree on whether the proposed compensation level is sufficient to meaningfully improve recruitment without being excessive

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

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