WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 5247

Transferring ownership of the Naselle Youth Camp property to the Chinook Indian Nation.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 1 co-sponsor

Transfers Naselle Youth Camp ownership to the Chinook Indian Nation by Oct 1, 2025, without payment, if the tribe uses it for tribal government purposes for at least 10 years.

First reading, referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 5247

Summary of SB 5247 (Naselle Youth Camp transfer to Chinook Indian Nation)

Overview

SB 5247 proposes transferring ownership of the Naselle Youth Camp property from the State of Washington to the Chinook Indian Nation. The transfer would occur by October 1, 2025 through the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) and would be “without further consideration” if the Chinook Nation commits to maintaining ownership for at least 10 years and using the property for tribal government purposes. The bill is in its first reading and referred to the State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections committee.

Key Provisions

  • New Section 1: Transfer authorization

    • Directs DES to execute a title transfer of the Naselle Youth Camp property to the Chinook Indian Nation by October 1, 2025.
    • Condition: Chinook Nation must agree to maintain ownership for a minimum of 10 years and use the property for tribal government purposes.
    • Transfer would occur without monetary consideration.

  • Section 2: Amends definitions (RCW 28A.190.005 and related 2021 amendments)

    • Revisions to definitions related to institutional education facilities, institutional education programs, and school providers.
    • Naselle Youth Camp is visually struck from several lists of “Residential schools” and related terms, aligning the definitions with the proposed transfer.

  • Section 3: Amends RCW 72.05.010 and related provisions

    • Updates the purposes and placement of residential schools and related facilities (e.g., Green Hill School, Echo Glen, Lakeland Village, Rainier School, Yakima Valley School, Fircrest School, Child Study and Treatment Center, Secondary School of western state hospital).
    • Naselle Youth Camp is removed from the enumerated facilities, reflecting its planned transfer to tribal ownership.

Transfer Details and Timeline

  • By October 1, 2025: DES to execute transfer of title to Chinook Indian Nation, provided the nation agrees to the 10-year ownership minimum and tribal government-use requirement.
  • The transfer is “without further consideration,” meaning no purchase price is paid by the Chinook Nation.

Impacts and Stakeholders

  • Chinook Indian Nation

    • Gains ownership and potential control over a key property for tribal government uses.
    • Commits to a minimum 10-year ownership and specified use, ensuring asset longevity for the tribe.

  • Naselle Youth Camp (state facility)

    • The state rights and responsibilities related to this particular property would shift to the Chinook Nation.
    • The relocation or reclassification of Naselle from the state’s list of residential facilities is implied by the definitions changes.

  • Local communities

    • Potential changes in land use, management, and community engagement surrounding the Naselle site.
    • Possible opportunities or challenges related to economic activity or collaboration stemming from tribal ownership.

Procedural Status

  • Introduced and first read on January 14, 2025.
  • Referred to the Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.

Notes for Readers

  • The bill places particular emphasis on maximizing asset use for community and tribal government purposes while ensuring a defined tenure (10 years) for the Chinook Nation.
  • The targeted changes to RCW definitions reflect the administrative shift away from Naselle Youth Camp as a state-operated residential facility toward tribal ownership and management.

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

Sign in to ask a question.