title: RCW 43.52B.020

text:
(1) A board of directors must be appointed by January 1, 2027, to provide oversight and advise the authority on policies that are consistent with the purposes of this chapter. The board of directors must hire an executive director by June 30, 2027.
(2) The 10 members of the board are as follows:
(a) The director of the department, or the director's designee;
(b) One member appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate with experience working at a consumer-owned utility, preferably with expertise in the transmission function;
(c) One member appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate with experience working at an investor-owned utility, preferably with expertise in the transmission function;
(d) One member appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate with expertise in rural county land use planning and law and local permitting processes;
(e) One member appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate with expertise in clean energy development;
(f) One member appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate with expertise in ratepayer protection;
(g) One member appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate representing electrical workers with expertise in building electric transmission;
(h) One member appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate with expertise in financing large infrastructure projects;
(i) One member appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate with expertise in wildlife conservation and land use policies; and
(j) One member appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate from a federally recognized Indian tribe, including federally recognized Indian tribes whose reservation or ceded lands lie in Washington state.
(3) One or more members of the board appointed by the governor must have expertise with the Bonneville power administration's transmission service.
(4) At least one-half of the members of the board must reside east of the crest of the Cascade mountains.
(5) No member of the board may represent a person that owns or operates electric generating or transmission facilities.
(6) Members of the board appointed by the governor must serve four-year terms. However, the governor must stagger the terms of six of the initial appointees for terms of one, two, and three years. At the end of the term, these members may be reappointed by the governor and reconfirmed by the senate, or the governor may choose to appoint a new member.
(7) Decisions of the board require a simple majority vote of all the members on the board.
(8) Members of the board must elect a chair from among its membership to serve for a two-year period.
(9) The board must meet at least quarterly.
(10) The department must provide administrative and staff support to the board until the executive director is hired.
(11) Members of the board must serve without additional compensation but must be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided by RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
(12) The board of directors is considered a governing body for purposes of chapter 42.30 RCW and must follow the requirements of the open public meetings act, as they apply to governing bodies.
[ 2026 c 249 s 4.]

catchline: Board of directors.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 43.52B.030

text:
(1) The Washington electric transmission authority is hereby created as a public body. The authority is an instrumentality of the state exercising essential government functions related to electric transmission.
(2) The priority of the authority is to maintain or improve the reliability of electric service to Washington customers by:
(a) Supporting the expeditious and efficient expansion of new electric transmission capacity within the state that are prudent and needed to serve Washington customers;
(b) Prioritizing partnerships for new electric transmission projects that meet at least one of the criteria: Increase access to grid connections for renewable resources and nonemitting electric generation as defined in RCW 19.405.020, provide access to regional wholesale markets, are located in more than one electric utility service territory, or would not otherwise be built by Washington electric utilities;
(c) Pursuing cost-effective nonwire alternatives to increase the capacity of existing electrical infrastructure;
(d) Being a statewide resource for assisting with the development and coordination of upgrades to existing transmission lines including, but not limited to, reconductoring with advanced conductors;
(e) Collaborating with electric utilities, independent transmission developers, local jurisdictions, federally recognized Indian tribes, labor unions, neighboring states, regional entities, and the federal government to develop intrastate, interstate, and regional transmission resources;
(f) Evaluating opportunities for the authority to coordinate with regional wholesale markets as enabled by the respective market governance framework;
(g) Supporting opportunities for community microgrids, distributed energy resources, and energy conservation; and
(h) Supporting community and economic development.
(3) To the greatest extent practicable, when carrying out its duties, the authority must seek to:
(a) Protect cultural and natural resources;
(b) Avoid impacts to overburdened communities and vulnerable populations;
(c) Support good jobs;
(d) Maximize the use of existing rights-of-way for transmission development, including on highways as defined in RCW 47.04.010;
(e) Mitigate wildfire risk;
(f) Consult in advance with all electric utilities that serve retail customers in areas where a project of the authority may be located; and
(g) Coordinate with utilities that operate electric transmission facilities that would be affected by a project of the authority.
(4) The authority must employ an executive director, who must be appointed by the board of directors created under RCW 43.52B.020. The board may fix the compensation of the executive director. The executive director may employ staff sufficient to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.
(5) The authority must update the transmission corridor identification study under RCW 43.21F.800 no later than October 30, 2032, and no less than every five years thereafter. The authority must update the study by leveraging existing transmission plans from national and regional entities, Washington utilities, and existing state, regional, and national siting studies in an open and transparent process.
(6) The authority must charge and collect an application review fee of $5,000 to be submitted by each entity that applies for use of services provided under a partnership with the authority.
(7) The authority must submit a report of its activities to the governor and to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2027, and annually every July 1st thereafter. The report must include operating and financial statements covering the operations of the authority for the previous fiscal year.
(8) The authority and any eligible facilities acquired by the authority are not subject to the supervision, regulation, control, or jurisdiction of the Washington utilities and transportation commission, provided that nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to allow an electrical company regulated under Title 80 RCW to include the cost of eligible facilities in its rate base without the approval of the Washington utilities and transportation commission.
(9)(a) The authority must offer transmission service on facilities owned by the authority only under a transmission tariff administered by an entity jurisdictional to the federal energy regulatory commission as a public utility under the federal power act, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 791a et seq., as it exists on June 11, 2026, and subject to the same terms and conditions applied to such entity by the federal energy regulatory commission, except for facilities under (b) of this subsection.
(b) Transmission service on facilities owned by the authority that are subject to a partnership agreement with the Bonneville power administration, a utility serving customers in the state of Washington that is not a public utility under the federal power act, or a joint operating agency formed under RCW 43.52.360 may be offered under the same terms as the transmission tariff of that partner entity.
(10) The primary mode for the authority to facilitate discrete transmission projects shall be through partnerships with transmission developers, including consumer-owned utilities and investor-owned utilities, on eligible projects in high priority transmission corridors. The authority may originate projects in the absence of such a partner only as a last resort and where such project does not interfere with or duplicate a project actively under development by a qualified transmission builder, as determined by the authority.
(11) The authority shall make reasonable and diligent efforts to acquire property or an interest in property by negotiation prior to exercising the power of eminent domain under RCW 43.52B.040(3).
[ 2026 c 249 s 5.]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Authority created—Duties.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 43.52B.040

text:
Without creating state debt, or lending the credit of the state, so long as otherwise authorized and not prohibited by law, the authority may:
(1) Adopt rules and operating procedures as necessary to implement the authority's responsibilities in this chapter, except that the authority may not adopt rules to direct cost allocation of transmission resources;
(2) Utilize the services of executive departments of the state upon mutually agreeable terms and conditions;
(3) After receiving approval by the board of directors, exercise the power of eminent domain as outlined under the provisions of chapter 8.04 RCW only for land acquisition necessary to secure property or rights-of-way for new transmission corridors for public use consistent with the purposes of this chapter;
(4) Enter into contracts and agreements;
(5) Solicit, receive, issue, and expend gifts, grants, and donations;
(6) Apply for and accept federal loans and related assistance;
(7)(a) Enter into partnerships with public or private entities, which must include a fee schedule for services provided under a partnership; and
(b) When entering into partnerships on transmission projects:
(i) Assist the project proponent in following the state environmental policy act process; and
(ii) Support tribal consultation by pursuing reasonable efforts to facilitate government-to-government consultation regarding the entities' partnership with federally recognized Indian tribes affected by the partnership;
(8) Lease, purchase, accept donations of, or otherwise own, hold, improve, or use any property;
(9) Sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any property;
(10)(a) Own electric transmission equipment and systems;
(b) Ownership of transmission facilities by the authority may not exceed the extent and duration necessary or useful to promote the public interest. Before becoming an owner or partial owner of any electric transmission facilities, the authority must develop and publish a plan identifying:
(i) The public purposes of the authority's ownership;
(ii) The conditions that would make the authority's ownership no longer necessary for accomplishing those public purposes;
(iii) A plan to divest the authority of ownership of the facility as soon as economically prudent once those conditions occur; and
(iv) A consideration of the costs and benefits to Washington ratepayers of the facility;
(11)(a) Select a qualified transmission builder or operator, as defined by the authority in rule, to build, finance, plan, acquire, maintain, or operate an electric transmission project; [and]
(b) Proceed to construction in the absence of selecting a qualified transmission builder only as a last resort and in instances where the authority identifies a pressing need for a project and there is not a ready and willing qualified transmission builder, subject to the authority adopting criteria in rule for such a scenario before developing a project;
(12)(a) Sell a state-owned electric transmission project at any stage of development;
(b) The authority may sell a project to an electric utility serving customers in the state of Washington, a joint operating agency formed under RCW 43.52.360, the Bonneville power administration, an independent transmission developer, or an independent system operator;
(c) Before selling a project that is not part of a partnership agreement, the authority must adopt criteria in rule for developing a transparent process including issuing a competitive request for proposals, evaluating proposals, and selecting a project buyer;
(13) When facilitating transmission projects, consult with other state agencies, subject matter experts, or neighboring landowners on natural hazards including, but not limited to, wildfire, and potential mitigation practices for such hazards including, but not limited to, upgrading transmission facilities with advanced transmission technologies, including reconductoring with advanced conductors;
(14) In consultation with and after approval by the board of directors, adopt criteria in rule for an initial local investment commitment fee and annual local investment commitment fee for high voltage projects that the authority develops, owns, or sells under this chapter. Rule making will provide that the fees are distributed among counties, cities, towns, and federally recognized Indian tribes, including federally recognized Indian tribes whose reservation or ceded lands lie in Washington state, in proportion to the project's impact, and that the fees are appurtenant to the project such that the assessed fees are transferred with the title if the project is sold; and
(15) Coordinate with the Washington economic development finance authority established under chapter 43.163 RCW to provide conduit financing for eligible partners that request transmission financing.
[ 2026 c 249 s 6.]

catchline: Powers.


title: RCW 43.52B.050

text:
(1) The authority must, when selecting a qualified transmission builder or operator under RCW 43.52B.040(11)(a), undertaking conduit financing through the Washington economic development finance authority while the authority is in partnership with the transmission builder or operator, or proceeding to construct a project in the absence of selecting a qualified transmission builder under RCW 43.52B.040(11)(b), ensure that all construction and maintenance work is performed by either:
(a) An electric utility, using qualified electrical employees; or
(b) A contractor or independent transmission developer:
(i) Using qualified electrical employees; and
(ii) Using apprentices enrolled in an apprenticeship program registered with the Washington state apprenticeship and training council established under chapter 49.04 RCW, with a completion rate of at least 25 percent over the prior eight years.
(2) When selecting a qualified transmission builder or operator under RCW 43.52B.040(11)(a), or when proceeding to construct a project in the absence of selecting a qualified transmission builder under RCW 43.52B.040(11)(b), the authority must ensure that work is performed in compliance with the applicable prevailing wage provisions under chapter 39.12 RCW for the respective trade and occupation job classification.
[ 2026 c 249 s 7.]

catchline: Selection of qualified transmission builders and operators.


title: RCW 43.52B.060

text:
The electric transmission operating account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from appropriations made by the legislature, fees collected under RCW 43.52B.030 and 43.52B.040, federal funds, or gifts or grants from the private sector or foundations and other sources must be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for operating cost purposes consistent with this chapter.
[ 2026 c 249 s 9.]

catchline: Electric transmission operating account.


title: RCW 43.52B.065

text:
The electric transmission capital account is created in the state treasury. All moneys received for the acquisition, sale, management, and administration of the authority's duties under this chapter for electric transmission projects including, but not limited to, proceeds from the sale of land and/or improvements, fees collected for services provided to transmission developers, interest earned on investments in the account, and all other revenue related to electric transmission projects created or acquired pursuant to this chapter must be deposited into the account. The account is authorized to receive fund transfers and appropriations from the general fund, as well as gifts, grants, and endowments from public or private sources as may be made from time to time. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used by the executive director of the authority, or the executive director's designee, to reimburse management costs incurred by the authority on electric transmission projects, for the acquisition of interests in land or other real property to be managed as electric transmission projects, and for all other nonoperating cost purposes consistent with this chapter.
[ 2026 c 249 s 10.]

catchline: Electric transmission capital account.


title: RCW 43.52B.070

text:
(1) Information obtained by the authority that is critical energy infrastructure information or proprietary technical or business information shall be confidential and not subject to inspection or disclosure pursuant to chapter 42.56 RCW.
(2) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Critical energy infrastructure" means existing and proposed systems and assets, whether physical or virtual, the incapacity or destruction of which would negatively affect security, economic security, public health or safety, or any combination of these matters.
(b) "Critical energy infrastructure information" means specific engineering, vulnerability, or detailed design information about proposed or existing critical energy infrastructure that:
(i) Relates details about the production, generation, transportation, transmission, or distribution of energy;
(ii) Could be useful to a person in planning an attack on critical energy infrastructure; and
(iii) Does not simply give the general location of or relay publicly available information about the critical energy infrastructure.
[ 2026 c 249 s 11.]

catchline: Critical energy infrastructure and proprietary information—Confidentiality.


title: RCW 43.52B.080

text:
(1) For electric transmission facilities owned by the authority that are exempt from property tax under RCW 84.36.010, the authority must make payments in lieu of property taxes to counties in which such facilities are located.
(2) Beginning in the first tax year in which improvements associated with a transmission facility owned in whole or in part by the authority would be subject to assessment under chapters 84.40 and 84.12 RCW if the facility were owned by a taxable entity, the authority must annually make payments in lieu of property taxes as provided in this section.
(3)(a) The amount of the payment must be determined jointly and in good faith negotiation between the authority, in consultation with the project partner, lessee, or operator of the transmission facility, and the county in which the facility is located.
(b) The amount agreed upon may not exceed the property tax amount that would be owed on the facility if it were owned by a taxable entity as calculated by the county assessor. The authority must provide information necessary for the county assessor to make the required valuation under this subsection. The authority must provide payment to the county treasurer on at least an annual basis in a manner agreed upon between the authority and county.
(c) If the authority and a county cannot agree on the amount of the payment in lieu of taxes, either party may invoke binding arbitration by providing written notice to the other party. The authority and county must each select one arbitrator, the two of whom must pick a third arbitrator. Costs of the arbitration, including compensation for the arbitrators' services, must be borne equally by the parties participating in the arbitration.
(4) Payments made under this section must be distributed by the county treasurer in the same manner as property tax revenues collected under Title 84 RCW and must be allocated among all taxing districts within the county in proportion to their respective levy rates.
(5) Payments required under this section must be collected by the authority from a lessee, project partner, or operator of the applicable facility on a schedule set forth in a lease or project agreement, and such collected funds shall be considered the only funds available to the authority to make the required payments.
(6) The payments required under this section are intended to ensure that counties and local taxing districts receive fiscal benefits for hosting transmission infrastructure owned by the authority.
[ 2026 c 249 s 12.]

catchline: Payments in lieu of property taxes.


title: RCW 43.52B.800

text:
(1) The legislature finds that Washington has committed to decarbonizing its electricity system so that it is carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon free by 2045. Achieving those goals includes retiring coal and gas resources, adding new generation from renewable and nonemitting resources, and leveraging energy storage technologies. At the same time, demand for electricity is increasing significantly due to the electrification of vehicles, home heating and cooling, and manufacturing, and the expansion of the information services sector in Washington. There are significant federal, state, and private investments in clean energy development, including wind, solar, and battery storage, that support decarbonization goals and supply new electrical load. However, Washington's existing transmission system lacks the capacity to accommodate the growing demand for clean electricity.
(2) The legislature also finds that extreme weather events and changes to seasonal highs and lows puts new strain on the existing transmission system and threatens reliability. Extreme weather events and resulting conditions such as high-speed winds, floods, freezing, extreme heat, and drought, which could increase the risk of wildfire, can damage grid infrastructure and cause disruptions to the power supply. Warmer summers and colder winters increase the need for heating and cooling and thereby intensify and extend periods of peak demand.
(3) The legislature further finds that to maintain reliability and build resilience, Washington's transmission system needs to be expanded and upgraded to access diverse portfolios of clean and reliable energy across the region, including solar resources in the southwest and wind resources across the mountain west. A more robust and updated transmission system will support affordability and reliability goals by enabling the efficient dispatch of least-cost resources across the region.
(4) Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to create the Washington electric transmission authority to improve transmission reliability, resilience, and affordability. The Washington electric transmission authority will serve as a centralized body to achieve these goals by: Providing development transmission services; coordinating siting and permitting; and engaging with utilities, transmission developers, local jurisdictions, state agencies, regional entities, the federal government, federally recognized Indian tribes, and affected communities. The legislature intends for the authority to achieve the following goals:
(a) Improve reliability and resilience, including during extreme weather events;
(b) Increase access to low-cost renewable energy;
(c) Achieve clean electricity requirements and greenhouse gas emissions limits;
(d) Encourage advanced transmission technologies that lower wildfire risks;
(e) Support economic growth; and
(f) Maintain affordable energy rates.
[ 2026 c 249 s 1.]

catchline: Findings—Intent—2026 c 249.


title: RCW 43.56.010

text:
(1) The governor shall appoint three qualified persons to serve on the Washington state uniform law commission for the promotion of uniformity of legislation in the United States. A qualified person is a resident of the state of Washington and a member of the state bar association of this or another state, who is or has been a judge, law professor, legislator, or practicing attorney.
(2) In addition to the members of the commission appointed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the governor may appoint to the commission any person who has served at least twenty years on the commission and who is a life member in the national conference of commissioners on uniform state laws or its successor.
(3) In addition to the members of the commission appointed pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) of this section, the code reviser shall serve as a member of the commission.
[ 2009 c 218 s 1; 1965 c 8 s 43.56.010. Prior: 1905 c 59 s 1; RRS s 8204.]

catchline: Appointment of qualified persons.


title: RCW 43.56.020

text:
(1) The commission shall identify areas of the law in which (a) uniformity in the laws among the states and other jurisdictions is desirable and practicable and (b)(i) the congress of the United States lacks jurisdiction to act or (ii) it is preferable that the several states enact the laws.
(2) The commissioners, at the national conference of commissioners on uniform state laws or its successor, shall confer upon these matters with the commissioners appointed by other states for the same purpose and shall consider and draft uniform laws to be submitted for approval and adoption by the several states.
(3) The commission shall propose to the legislature for approval and adoption the uniform acts developed with the other commissioners and generally devise and recommend such other and further courses of action as shall accomplish such uniformity.
[ 2009 c 218 s 2; 1965 c 8 s 43.56.020. Prior: 1905 c 59 s 2; RRS s 8205.]

catchline: Duties of commission.


title: RCW 43.56.040

text:
No member of the commission shall receive any compensation for services, but each member shall be paid travel expenses incurred in the discharge of official duty in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060, after the account thereof has been audited by the commission.
The commission shall keep a full account of its expenditures and shall report it in each report. The commission shall allow expenses for only one meeting of the commission within this state each year, and shall allow expenses for the members to attend, no more than once in each year, any conference of the national conference of commissioners on uniform state laws, or its successor, outside of this state.
[ 2009 c 218 s 3; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 s 118; 1965 c 8 s 43.56.040. Prior: 1955 c 91 s 1; 1905 c 59 s 4; RRS s 8207.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: See notes following RCW 2.08.115.

catchline: Travel expenses of members.


title: RCW 43.56.900

text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 s 108.]

catchline: Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.


title: RCW 43.58.050

text:
The interstate compact determining the Oregon-Washington boundary on the Columbia River which was executed on the 21st day of December, 1956 by the Oregon commission on interstate cooperation for the state of Oregon and the Washington-Oregon boundary commission for the state of Washington is hereby ratified and approved.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.58.050. Prior: 1957 c 90 s 1.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: The effective date of RCW 43.58.050 was March 13, 1957. State Constitution, Amendment 33, recognizing the modification of the state's boundaries through appropriate compact procedure, was approved by the voters on November 4th, 1958, and the governor's proclamation relating thereto was issued on December 4th, 1958.
The Oregon legislature has ratified the compact, see Oregon Revised Statutes ss 186.510 and 186.520, effective April 4, 1957. See also, Article XVI of the Oregon Constitution relating to state boundaries which was adopted by the people November 4, 1958, effective December 3, 1958.
Congressional ratification is contained in Public Law 85-575, dated July 31, 1958.

catchline: Oregon-Washington Columbia River boundary compact—Ratification.


title: RCW 43.58.060

text:
The terms and provisions of the compact referred to in RCW 43.58.050 are as follows:
INTERSTATE COMPACT DETERMINING
OREGON-WASHINGTON BOUNDARY ON THE
COLUMBIA RIVER
ARTICLE I. PURPOSE
The boundary between the states of Oregon and Washington along the course of the Columbia River has not been easy to ascertain because of changes in the main channel of the river with a result that a state of confusion and dispute exists and the enforcement and administration of the laws of the two states has been rendered difficult.
The purpose of this compact is to fix with precision by reference to stations of longitude and latitude the boundary between the states of Oregon and Washington from one marine league due west of the mouth of the Columbia River to the most easterly point at which the 46th parallel of North latitude crosses said river, at which point the river ceases to form the boundary between the two states.
ARTICLE II. DESCRIPTION
The boundary between the states of Oregon and Washington from one marine league due west of the mouth of the Columbia River to the point at which the last described point number (# 191) of the boundary as herein determined meets the 46th parallel of North latitude at 118° 59'10".12 of West longitude shall be as follows:
Beginning one marine league at sea off the mouth of the Columbia river at north latitude 46° 15'00".00; running thence due east to point number 1 of this description, which point is at north latitude 46° 15'00".00, west longitude 124° 05'00".00; thence from point number 1 continuing upstream in the channel of the Columbia river by a series of straight lines connecting the following numbered and described points in consecutive order.
Point
North
West
Description of
Number
Latitude
Longitude
Location
1
46°15'00".00
124°05'00".00
2
46°15'51".00
124°02'02".75
3
46°16'17".00
124°01'45".80
4
46°16'59".50
124°02'14".40
5
46°17'28".00
124°02'07".00
6
46°17'33".25
124°01'12".25
7
46°16'41".50
124°00'00".00
8
46°16'03".00
123°58'11".80
9
46°14'19".80
123°55'42".00
10
46°14'06".00
123°52'14".50
11
46°16'09".50
123°44'20".50
12
46°15'01".00
123°41'12".70
13
46°15'33".30
123°38'52".80
14
46°15'23".90
123°35'05".00
15
46°15'38".00
123°32'23".00
16
46°16'14".60
123°30'00".00
17
46°15'46".70
123°27'51".40
18
46°14'23".50
123°25'51".60
19
46°13'10".50
123°25'20".50
20
46°11'29".00
123°25'43".60
21
46°10'47".80
123°25'38".00
22
46°09'01".00
123°23'21".50
23
46°08'33".00
123°18'45".60
24
46°09'04".50
123°15'47".20
25
46°10'00".00
123°13'51".20
26
46°11'20".80
123°09'55".50
27
46°11'11".30
123°07'10".90
28
46°09'40".00
123°04'23".50
29
46°09'24".00
123°03'22".40
30
46°08'38".40
123°02'00".00
31
46°08'06".00
123°00'16".00
32
46°06'20".02
122°57'44".28
33
46°06'17".36
122°57'38".295
a point on the center line of the Longview Bridge at center of main span
34
46°06'14".71
122°57'32".31
35
46°05'02".70
122°54'11".00
36
46°03'37".50
122°52'59".50
37
46°01'53".50
122°52'35".50
38
46°00'52".25
122°51'17".20
39
45°58'52".00
122°50'11".80
40
45°57'40".00
122°48'46".80
41
45°55'57".00
122°48'18".00
42
45°54'47".00
122°48'36".75
43
45°53'05".00
122°47'48".30
44
45°52'06".00
122°47'01".50
45
45°50'40".00
122°47'04".50
46
45°49'31".20
122°47'41".00
47
45°48'37".00
122°47'40".00
48
45°46'51".00
122°46'06".30
49
45°45'34".20
122°45'37".00
50
45°44'04".70
122°45'32".00
51
45°42'05".00
122°46'16".00
52
45°40'50".80
122°46'24".00
53
45°39'26".75
122°45'46".00
54
45°38'40".00
122°44'13".00
55
45°38'17".00
122°42'47".50
56
45°37'35".37
122°41'35".14
57
45°37'29".47
122°41'23".855
a point on the center line of Northern Pacific Railroad Bridge across Columbia River, which point is at center of 3rd pier south of the draw span
58
45°37'26".52
122°41'18".215
59
45°37'07".85
122°40'33".42
60
45°37'05".938
122°40'26".939
a point on the center line of the west highway bridge crossing the Columbia River between Portland, Ore. and Vancouver, Wash., said point being 12.0 ft. south from the center of pier No. 6 of said bridge
61
45°37'05".62
122°40'25".86
a point on the center line of the east highway bridge crossing the Columbia River between Portland, Ore. and Vancouver, Wash., said point being 12.0 ft. south from the center of pier No. 6 of said bridge
62
45°37'03".71
122°40'19".38
63
45°36'34".00
122°38'27".00
64
45°36'29".80
122°36'21".30
65
45°36'20".00
122°35'20".00
66
45°35'47".90
122°32'48".00
67
45°35'23".50
122°31'24".20
68
45°35'01".00
122°29'30".00
69
45°34'42".80
122°28'20".50
70
45°34'03".00
122°27'09".30
71
45°33'49".00
122°26'15".80
72
45°34'03".30
122°24'36".50
73
45°34'29".50
122°23'25".80
74
45°34'33".40
122°22'44".00
75
45°34'10".00
122°21'04".00
76
45°32'55".20
122°19'49".00
77
45°32'38".00
122°17'43".70
78
45°32'38".80
122°15'56".70
79
45°33'03".25
122°14'24".50
80
45°33'55".00
122°11'58".50
81
45°34'37".00
122°10'54".00
82
45°35'03".00
122°08'25".50
83
45°34'53".40
122°06'40".00
84
45°35'00".00
122°06'02".00
85
45°36'35".00
122°02'35".00
86
45°36'53".80
122°01'11".50
87
45°36'58".00
122°00'08".50
88
45°37'23".00
121°58'54".50
89
45°37'59".00
121°57'42".80
90
45°38'37".50
121°57'16".50
91
45°38'42".00
121°57'01".80
92
45°38'40".35
121°56'37".34
93
45°38'40".13
121°56'22".57
a point at the intersection of the axis of Bonneville Dam and the center line of center pier of the spillway of said dam
94
45°38'39".82
121°56'01".46
95
45°39'17".00
121°54'25".00
96
45°39'43".85
121°53'58".48
a point on center line of bridge at Cascade Locks, known as "The Bridge of the Gods" and in the center of the main span of said bridge
97
45°39'44".81
121°53'58".16
98
45°39'45".77
121°53'57".84
99
45°40'15".00
121°54'02".00
100
45°41'36".80
121°51'57".00
101
45°42'24".75
121°48'36".00
102
45°41'39".00
121°44'02".00
103
45°41'42".00
121°42'22".00
104
45°42'19".00
121°40'02".00
105
45°42'17".50
121°37'48".50
106
45°43'36".00
121°31'54".30
107
45°43'15".275
121°29'52".445
108
45°43'07".02
121°29'36".615
a point on the center line of the Hood River Bridge at the center of the draw span of said bridge
109
45°43'04".075
121°29'30".96
110
45°42'05".20
121°27'41".80
111
45°41'39".25
121°25'22".00
112
45°41'35".00
121°24'02".00
113
45°42'11".50
121°22'17".00
114
45°42'18".00
121°20'11".50
115
45°42'00".00
121°18'40".00
116
45°41'13".30
121°17'10".00
117
45°40'40".50
121°14'52".00
118
45°40'17".00
121°12'52".50
119
45°39'00".00
121°11'57".00
120
45°37'47".00
121°11'38".40
121
45°37'00".25
121°11'43".00
122
45°36'23".80
121°10'57".00
123
45°36'22".50
121°10'00".00
124
45°36'29".175
121°08'39".84
125
45°36'40".89
121°08'22".135
a point on the center line of the Dallas Bridge across the Columbia River at the center of the main span of said bridge
126
45°36'43".94
121°08'17".53
127
45°36'35".69
121°07'50".34
128
45°36'58".44
121°07'16".41
129
45°37'06".095
121°06'57".58
130
45°37'14".85
121°07'02".75
a point on the axis of the Dalles Dam at Station 48+79 of the center line survey of said dam
131
45°37'23".97
121°07'08".14
132
45°38'53".13
121°05'01".25
133
45°39'09".54
121°03'47".80
134
45°39'04".04
121°01'57".51
135
45°39'12".08
121°00'22".28
136
45°38'54".66
120°58'56".33
137
45°38'55".91
120°58'49".52
a point on the center line of the Oregon Trunk Railroad Bridge and in the center of the 4th pier from the north end of said bridge
138
45°38'58".405
120°58'35".90
139
45°39'24".84
120°57'06".97
140
45°39'23".58
120°56'34".22
141
45°38'24".54
120°54'44".75
142
45°38'35".09
120°53'40".72
143
45°40'18".79
120°51'15".26
144
45°41'11".69
120°47'14".64
145
45°42'19".71
120°43'38".83
146
45°42'42".58
120°42'10".70
147
45°42'57".18
120°41'18".11
148
45°43'48".14
120°40'05".19
149
45°44'45".12
120°38'01".97
150
45°44'47".00
120°37'17".91
151
45°44'47".99
120°35'23".91
152
45°44'18".49
120°33'29".23
153
45°42'37".59
120°31'17".65
154
45°42'00".37
120°30'16".48
155
45°41'40".42
120°28'53".22
156
45°41'58".55
120°24'08".96
157
45°42'41".66
120°19'30".62
158
45°43'16".74
120°16'56".18
159
45°43'33".84
120°12'34".62
160
45°45'43".67
120°10'10".01
161
45°46'24".09
120°08'25".17
162
45°47'07".10
120°04'08".70
163
45°48'26".17
120°00'49".27
164
45°49'28".29
119°57'52".64
165
45°49'41".97
119°54'21".95
166
45°50'25".18
119°50'53".51
167
45°50'52".00
119°48'05".62
168
45°50'45".15
119°46'18".16
169
45°51'25".40
119°40'07".80
170
45°54'20".70
119°37'20".96
171
45°55'10".82
119°35'58".28
172
45°55'32".25
119°34'13".67
173
45°54'31".37
119°31'24".18
174
45°54'23".43
119°29'13".01
175
45°55'03".10
119°26'57".35
176
45°55'18".10
119°21'48".12
177
45°55'51".37
119°19'52".71
178
45°55'54".48
119°19'39".28
a point on the center line of the Umatilla Bridge at the center of the north main span of said bridge
179
45°55'59".59
119°19'17".20
180
45°56'10".26
119°17'47".60
a point on the axis of McNary Dam at the north face of the south nonoverflow section
181
45°56'15".24
119°17'05".76
182
45°56'24".05
119°15'21".40
183
45°55'58".60
119°13'28".22
184
45°55'40".97
119°11'39".82
185
45°55'40".26
119°10'05".04
186
45°55'58".55
119°07'30".72
187
45°56'34".25
119°05'32".00
188
45°57'31".28
119°03'37".36
189
45°58'09".33
119°01'33".95
190
45°58'45".73
119°00'27".12
191
46°00'00".00
118°59'10".12
ARTICLE III. RATIFICATION AND
EFFECTIVE DATE
This compact shall become operative when it has been ratified by the legislatures of the states of Oregon and Washington and approved by the Congress of the United States and the Constitutions of the states of Oregon and Washington have been amended to authorize the establishment of the boundary as herein provided.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.58.060. Prior: 1957 c 90 s 2.]

catchline: Oregon-Washington Columbia River boundary compact—Terms and provisions.


title: RCW 43.58.070

text:
Upon ratification by the state of Oregon and approval by the Congress of the United States of the compact set forth in RCW 43.58.060, the secretary of the Washington-Oregon boundary commission is hereby directed to transmit all records, work sheets, maps, minutes and other papers of said commission to the division of archives and records management of the office of the secretary of state.
[ 1981 c 115 s 3; 1965 c 8 s 43.58.070. Prior: 1957 c 90 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—1981 c 115: See note following RCW 40.14.020.

catchline: Oregon-Washington Columbia River boundary compact—Transfer of records, etc., to division of archives.


title: RCW 43.58.090

text:
Chapter 27, Laws of 1937, as amended by chapter 6, Laws of 1955 extraordinary session and chapter 43.58 RCW [RCW 43.58.010 through 43.58.040] each shall be repealed when the compact set forth in RCW 43.58.060 has been ratified by the state of Oregon and approved by the Congress of the United States.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.58.090. Prior: 1957 c 90 s 5.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: See note following RCW 43.58.050.

catchline: Oregon-Washington Columbia River boundary compact—Repeal of RCW 43.58.010 through 43.58.040, when.


title: RCW 43.59.010

text:
(1) The Washington traffic safety commission is established as a public health authority. The functions and purpose of this commission shall be to identify contributing factors that most commonly lead to motor vehicle collisions that result in death or serious injury; to plan and supervise programs for the prevention of collisions on streets and highways including but not limited to educational campaigns designed to reduce traffic crashes in cooperation with all official and unofficial organizations interested in traffic safety; to coordinate the activities at the state and local level in the development of statewide and local traffic safety programs; to promote a uniform enforcement of traffic safety laws and establish standards for investigation and reporting of traffic collisions; to promote and improve driver education; and to authorize the governor to perform all functions required to be performed by him or her under the federal Highway Safety Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-564; 80 Stat. 731) in order to promote and protect public health and safety.
(2) The legislature finds and declares that bicycling and walking are becoming increasingly popular in Washington as clean and efficient modes of transportation, as recreational activities, and as organized sports. Future plans for the state's transportation system will require increased access and safety for bicycles and pedestrians on our common roadways, and federal transportation legislation and funding programs have created strong incentives to implement these changes quickly. As a result, many more people are likely to take up bicycling in Washington both as a leisure activity and as a convenient, inexpensive form of transportation. Bicyclists are more vulnerable to serious injury during collisions than motorists, and should be as knowledgeable as possible about traffic laws, be highly visible and predictable when riding in traffic, and be encouraged to wear bicycle safety helmets. Hundreds of bicyclists and pedestrians are seriously injured every year in collisions, and millions of dollars are spent on health care costs associated with these collisions. There is clear evidence that organized training in the rules and techniques of safe and effective cycling can significantly reduce the incidence of serious injury and collisions, increase cooperation among road users, and significantly increase the incidence of bicycle helmet use, particularly among minors. A reduction in collisions benefits the entire community. Therefore it is appropriate for businesses and community organizations to provide donations to bicycle and pedestrian safety training programs.
[ 2026 c 152 s 3; 2009 c 549 s 5141; 1998 c 165 s 2; 1967 ex.s. c 147 s 1.]
Notes:
Short title—1998 c 165: "This act may be known and cited as the Cooper Jones Act." [ 1998 c 165 s 1.]
Driver education courses: Chapter 28A.220 RCW.
Drivers' training schools: Chapter 46.82 RCW.

catchline: Purpose—Finding.


title: RCW 43.59.015

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Bicyclist fatality" means any death of a bicyclist resulting from a collision, whether on a roadway, at an intersection, along an adjacent sidewalk, or on a path that is contiguous with a roadway.
(2) "Commission" means the Washington traffic safety commission.
(3) "Council" means the Cooper Jones active transportation safety council.
(4) "Fatality review committee" means a group of subject matter experts and other members recruited and assembled by the commission based upon their traffic safety experience to review incidents involving the death of a person in Washington resulting from a collision involving a motor vehicle, whether on a roadway, at an intersection, along an adjacent sidewalk, or on a path that is contiguous with a roadway.
(5) "Motorist" means anyone using the transportation system who is using a motor vehicle as a driver or passenger.
(6) "Nonmotorist" means anyone using the transportation system who is not in a vehicle.
(7) "Pedestrian fatality" means any death of a pedestrian resulting from a collision, whether on a roadway, at an intersection, along an adjacent sidewalk, or on a path that is contiguous with a roadway.
(8) "Public health authority" has the same meaning as defined in 45 C.F.R. Part 164, as it existed on June 11, 2026, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the commission by rule, consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
(9) "Serious injury" means any injury other than a fatal injury that prevents the injured person from walking, driving, or normally continuing the activities the person was capable of performing before the injury occurred.
[ 2026 c 152 s 2.]

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 43.59.020

text:
The governor shall be responsible for the administration of the traffic safety program of the state and shall be the official of the state having ultimate responsibility for dealing with the federal government with respect to all programs and activities of the state and local governments pursuant to the Highway Safety Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-564; 80 Stat. 731). The governor is authorized and empowered to accept and disburse federal grants or other funds or donations from any source for the purpose of improving traffic safety programs in the state of Washington, and is hereby empowered to contract and to do all other things necessary in behalf of this state to secure the full benefits available to this state under the federal Highway Safety Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-564; 80 Stat. 731) and in so doing, to cooperate with federal and state agencies, agencies private and public, interested organizations, and with individuals, to effectuate the purposes of that enactment, and any and all subsequent amendments thereto.
[ 1967 ex.s. c 147 s 2.]

catchline: Governor responsible for administration of traffic safety program—Acceptance and disbursal of federal funds.


title: RCW 43.59.030

text:
The governor shall be assisted in his or her duties and responsibilities by the Washington state traffic safety commission. The Washington traffic safety commission shall be composed of the governor as chair, the superintendent of public instruction, the director of licensing, the secretary of transportation, the chief of the state patrol, the secretary of health, the director of the health care authority, a representative of the association of Washington cities to be appointed by the governor, a member of the association of counties to be appointed by the governor, and a representative of the judiciary to be appointed by the governor. Appointments to any vacancies among appointee members shall be as in the case of original appointment.
The governor may designate an employee of the governor's office familiar with the traffic safety commission to act on behalf of the governor during the absence of the governor at one or more of the meetings of the commission. The vote of the designee shall have the same effect as if cast by the governor if the designation is in writing and is presented to the person presiding at the meetings included within the designation.
The governor may designate a member, other than the governor's designee, to preside during the governor's absence.
[ 2018 c 201 s 8010; 2016 c 206 s 2. Prior: 2009 c 549 s 5142; 1991 c 3 s 298; 1982 c 30 s 1; 1979 c 158 s 105; 1971 ex.s. c 85 s 7; 1969 ex.s. c 105 s 1; 1967 ex.s. c 147 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.
Codification correction—2016 c 206: "The 1982 codification of an amendment to RCW 43.59.030, concerning the designation and authority of the governor's designee to the traffic safety commission, incorrectly omitted two phrases that were included in chapter 30, Laws of 1982, as signed into law by governor John Spellman. Section 2 of this act restores the missing phrases." [ 2016 c 206 s 1.]

catchline: Members of commission—Appointment—Vacancies—Governor's designee to act during governor's absence.


title: RCW 43.59.040

text:
(1) In addition to other responsibilities set forth in this chapter the commission shall:
(a) Advise and confer with the governing authority of any political subdivision of the state or federally recognized Indian tribe deemed eligible under the federal Highway Safety Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-564; 80 Stat. 731) for participation in the aims and programs and purposes of that act;
(b) Advise and confer with all agencies of state government whose programs and activities are within the scope of the Highway Safety Act including those agencies that are not subject to direct supervision, administration, and control by the governor under existing laws;
(c) Succeed to and be vested with all powers, duties, and jurisdictions previously vested in the Washington state safety council;
(d) Receive crash reports, toxicology reports, and related investigation information from state or local law enforcement agencies;
(e) Receive driver licensing records from the department of licensing for motor vehicle collisions resulting in a fatality;
(f) In reviewing traffic crashes resulting in the death of a pedestrian, bicyclist, or other active transportation user, include members from the council in the review process and provide a summary of the review results to the council at a regularly scheduled meeting. The number of councilmembers in attendance for the review are limited to less than a quorum of the membership;
(g) Present reports prepared under this section regarding fatal traffic crashes involving the deaths of active transportation users to the council during the calendar year that the review under (f) of this subsection is published; and
(h) Carry out such other responsibilities as may be consistent with this chapter.
(2) The commission may:
(a) As a public health authority, collect health care information under RCW 70.02.050(2)(b). Any health care information obtained under this subsection is exempt from public inspection and copying under chapter 42.56 RCW. The health care information may be collected from, but is not limited to, hospitals, emergency medical services, medical examiners, and coroner offices. The commission may compile and link the records data from these sources, store this information in a secure database, and perform statistical and epidemiological analyses to identify causes and trends in traffic fatalities. Such health care information must only be used for the purposes of this chapter, including for anonymized reports on fatal or serious injury collisions and for providing such reports and underlying data to the University of Washington's institute for health metrics and evaluation;
(b) As part of its purpose to identify contributing factors contributing to fatal and serious injury collisions, convene a fatality review committee to review any available information, including: Crash information maintained in existing databases; statutes, rules, policies, or ordinances related to the incidents; and any other relevant information, including reports and records described in this section;
(c) Make recommendations regarding changes in statutes, ordinances, rules, and policies that could improve the safety of all road users, including motor vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and individuals using personal mobility devices. Additionally, the commission may make recommendations on how to improve traffic fatality and serious injury data quality, including crashes that occur in privately owned property such as parking lots;
(d) Consult with local cities and counties, as well as local police departments and other law enforcement agencies and associations representing those jurisdictions on how to improve data quality regarding crashes;
(e) Obtain and examine medical records related to individuals involved in fatal traffic crashes that occur in Washington including, but not limited to, postmortem medical examinations and emergency medical treatment and trauma care provided after a traffic collision. Medical records may be reviewed by members of the fatality review committee and are subject to the protections described in (a) of this subsection; and
(f) Publish reports summarizing trends, contributing factors, and policy or program recommendations resulting from reviews. Reports may not include personally identifiable information or information with which, in combination with readily available public sources, members of the public could discern personal information.
(3) All meetings or deliberations of a fatality review committee are confidential and are not subject to the requirements of chapter 42.30 RCW, the open public meetings act.
(4) Discussions among participants of a fatality review committee during fatal crash review proceedings and documents, other than the final report of the committee, prepared by the commission are inadmissible and may not be used in a civil or administrative proceeding, except that any document that exists before its use or consideration in a review by the commission, or that is created independently of such review, does not become inadmissible merely because it is reviewed or used by the commission.
(5) For confidential information, including medical records and personal information under RCW 42.56.230 (7) and (9), that is obtained by the commission, neither the commission nor any participant in the fatality review committee may publicly disclose such confidential information. Such confidential information must only be used for the purposes of this chapter. No person who was in attendance at a meeting of the fatality review committee or who participated in the creation, retention, collection, or maintenance of information or documents specifically for the commission or the council shall be permitted to testify in any civil action as to the content of such proceedings or of the documents and information prepared specifically as part of the activities of the council. However, recommendations from the council and the commission generally may be disclosed without personal identifiers.
(6) The commission may review, only to the extent otherwise permitted by law or court rule when determined to be relevant and necessary: Any law enforcement incident documentation, such as incident reports, dispatch records, and victim, witness, and suspect statements; any supplemental reports, probable cause statements, and 911 call taker's reports; abstracts of driving records; and any other information determined to be relevant to the review. The commission and the council must maintain the confidentiality of the information to the extent required by any applicable law.
(7) If acting in good faith, without malice, and within the parameters of and protocols established under this chapter, representatives of the commission and members of a fatality review committee convened by the commission are immune from civil liability for any activity related to reviews of any particular fatalities and serious injuries.
(8) This section does not create a private right of action, except if representatives of the commission and members of a fatality review committee act in bad faith by disclosing confidential information protected under this chapter.
[ 2026 c 152 s 4; 1983 1st ex.s. c 14 s 1; 1967 ex.s. c 147 s 4.]

catchline: Powers and duties of commission—Confidentiality.


title: RCW 43.59.050

text:
The commission shall meet at least quarterly and shall have such special meetings as may be required. Members of the commission shall receive no additional compensation for their services except that which shall be allowed as travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 as now existing or hereafter amended.
[1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 s 120; 1967 ex.s. c 147 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: See notes following RCW 2.08.115.

catchline: Meetings—Travel expenses of members.


title: RCW 43.59.060

text:
The governor as chair of the commission shall appoint a person to be director of the Washington traffic safety commission which director shall be paid such salary as shall be deemed reasonable and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.
[ 2009 c 549 s 5143; 1967 ex.s. c 147 s 7.]


title: RCW 43.59.070

text:
The director shall be secretary of the commission and shall be responsible for carrying into effect the commission's orders and rules and regulations promulgated by the commission. The director shall also be authorized to employ such staff as is necessary pursuant to the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW. The commission shall adopt such rules and regulations as shall be necessary to carry into effect the purposes of this chapter.
[ 1967 ex.s. c 147 s 8.]

catchline: Director's duties—Staff—Rules and regulations.


title: RCW 43.59.080

text:
The governor as chair of said commission shall have the authority to appoint advisory committees as he or she may deem advisable to aid, advise and assist the commission in carrying out the purposes of this chapter. All actions and decisions, however, shall be made by the commission.
[ 2009 c 549 s 5144; 1967 ex.s. c 147 s 9.]

catchline: Governor's duties as chair.


title: RCW 43.59.140

text:
The Washington traffic safety commission shall produce and disseminate through all possible media, informational and educational materials explaining the extent of the problems caused by drinking drivers, the need for public involvement in their solution, and the penalties of existing and new laws against driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug.
[ 1991 c 290 s 4; 1983 c 165 s 42.]
Notes:
Legislative finding, intent—Effective dates—Severability—1983 c 165: See notes following RCW 46.20.308.

catchline: Driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug—Information and education.


title: RCW 43.59.156

text:
(1) Within amounts appropriated to the commission, the commission must convene the council comprised of stakeholders who have a unique interest or expertise in the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorists.
(2) The purpose of the council is to review and analyze data and programs related to fatalities and serious injuries involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorists to identify points at which the transportation system can be improved including, whenever possible, privately owned areas of the system such as parking lots, and to identify patterns in pedestrian, bicyclist, and other nonmotorist fatalities and serious injuries. The council may also:
(a) Monitor progress on implementation of existing council recommendations; and
(b) Seek opportunities to expand consideration and implementation of the principles of systematic safety, including areas where data collection may need improvement.
(3)(a) The council may include, but is not limited to:
(i) A representative from the commission;
(ii) A coroner from the county in which pedestrian, bicyclist, or nonmotorist deaths have occurred;
(iii) Multiple members of law enforcement who have investigated pedestrian, bicyclist, or nonmotorist fatalities;
(iv) A traffic engineer;
(v) A representative from the department of transportation and a representative from the department of health;
(vi) A representative from the association of Washington cities;
(vii) A representative from the Washington state association of counties;
(viii) A representative from a pedestrian advocacy group;
(ix) A representative from a tribal government; and
(x) A representative from a bicyclist or other nonmotorist advocacy group.
(b) The commission may invite other representatives of stakeholder groups to participate in the council as deemed appropriate by the commission. Additionally, the commission may invite a victim or family member of a victim to participate in the council.
(4) The council must meet at least quarterly. By December 31st of each year, the council must issue an annual report detailing any findings and recommendations to the governor and the transportation committees of the legislature. The commission must provide the annual report electronically to all municipal governments and state agencies that participated in the council during that calendar year. Additionally, the council must report any budgetary or fiscal recommendations to the office of financial management and the legislature by August 1st on a biennial basis.
(5)(a) The council may receive gifts, grants, or endowments from public or private sources that are made from time to time, in trust or otherwise, for the use and benefit of the purposes of the council and spend the gifts, grants, or endowments from the public or private sources according to their terms, unless the receipt of the gifts, grants, or endowments violates RCW 29B.45.020.
(b) Subject to the appropriation of funds for this specific purpose, the council may provide grants targeted at improving pedestrian, bicyclist, or nonmotorist safety in accordance with recommendations made by the council.
[ 2026 c 152 s 5; 2025 c 417 s 903; (2025 c 417 s 902 expired January 1, 2026); 2024 c 164 s 523; 2020 c 72 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 417 ss 104, 105, 107-110, 201-206, 301-303, 604, and 903: See note following RCW 46.17.355.
Expiration date—2025 c 417 ss 603 and 902: See note following RCW 36.70A.200.
Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.
Intent—Construction—Rules remain valid—Effective date—2024 c 164: See notes following RCW 29B.10.010.

catchline: Cooper Jones active transportation safety council.


title: RCW 43.59.170

text:
(1) The Washington traffic safety commission shall produce and disseminate informational and educational materials explaining the proper use of child restraint systems in motor vehicles, the safety risks of not properly using child restraint systems in motor vehicles, where assistance on the proper installation and use of child restraint systems in motor vehicles can be obtained, and the legal penalties for not properly using child restraint systems in motor vehicles.
(2) As used in this section, "child restraint system" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 46.61.687(6).
[ 2019 c 59 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2019 c 59: See note following RCW 46.61.687.

catchline: Child restraint systems in motor vehicles—Information and education.


title: RCW 43.59.180

text:
Subject to funds appropriated for this purpose, the Washington traffic safety commission shall produce and disseminate through all possible media, informational and educational materials explaining the penalties of the crime of negligent driving with a vulnerable user victim in the first degree.
[ 2023 c 471 s 11.]
Notes:
Effective date—2023 c 471: See note following RCW 46.61.5259.

catchline: Negligent driving with a vulnerable user victim—First degree—Information and education.


title: RCW 43.59.190

text:
(1) The Washington state commercial truck safety and education council is established in the Washington traffic safety commission to recommend programs and projects that improve the safety of the commercial truck industry through cooperative public-private programs that focus on examining crash trends and evidence-based best practices in driver education, improved regulatory compliance, industry training, and educational programs. The council shall consist of the following members, appointed by the commission:
(a) The chief of the Washington state patrol, or the chief's designee;
(b) The director of the department of licensing, or the director's designee;
(c) The secretary of the department of transportation, or the secretary's designee;
(d) The executive director of the Washington trucking associations or the executive director's designee;
(e) The director of the Washington traffic safety commission, or the director's designee;
(f) The executive director of the Washington state board for community and technical colleges, or the executive director's designee;
(g) One member of the general public;
(h) Three members from a trucking industry association or associations as representatives of the trucking industry, with consideration given to a list of six nominees representative of the trucking industry submitted by the Washington trucking association;
(i) The executive director of the workforce training and education coordination board, or the executive director's designee;
(j) One member from a labor organization recommended by the Washington state labor council.
(2) In addition, the council may, where feasible, consult with other governmental entities or individuals from the public and private sector who have a unique interest or expertise in commercial vehicle safety, training, and efficient operations.
(3) The Washington state commercial truck safety and education council must meet at least quarterly. The council shall initially convene at the call of the director of the Washington traffic safety commission, or the director's designee, no later than the third Monday in January 2027. Subsequent meetings of the council shall be at the call of the chair or seven members. The council shall adopt a charter that includes, but is not limited to, rules governing the election of a chair and other officers, as well as term lengths.
(4)(a) The Washington state commercial truck safety and education council may:
(i) Recommend programs and projects that carry out the purpose of the council including, but not limited to, enhancing safety and training, providing for research and development, and educating the public;
(ii) Request the authorization of payment of council costs with funds designated for this use under RCW 46.17.315(2);
(iii) Coordinate council activities with industry associations, and others as appropriate, to provide efficient delivery of services for authorized programs and projects and to avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts and activities;
(iv) Recommend procurements for contracts with any public or private partnership, association, corporation, or other legal or commercial entity, to carry out the purpose of the council;
(v) Recommend the commission apply for, receive, and accept grants, loans, advances, and contributions from any source of money, property, labor, or other things of value, to be held, used, and applied for the council's purposes; and
(vi) Recommend grants targeted at improving commercial motor vehicle safety and training.
(b) Commission costs associated with support of the council are to be reimbursed from the commercial truck safety and education account created in RCW 46.68.550.
(5) Beginning December 31, 2027, the council shall annually report its activities, findings, and recommendations during the preceding year to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 31st.
(6) The council may solicit and accept gifts, grants, bequests, devises, or other funds from public and private sources to support its activities.
(7) Members of the Washington state commercial truck safety and education council who are not public employees shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.220 and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in carrying out the duties of the council in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
[ 2026 c 61 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2026 c 61: "(1) The legislature finds that:
(a) The trucking industry is an essential part of our everyday lives. The trucking industry facilitates essential economic activity, including through the transport of goods for logistics, e-commerce, construction, agriculture, by driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enabling the movement of raw materials and finished products for all sectors. Trucks are vital for businesses to operate efficiently, reach customers, and meet supply chain demands.
(b) In Washington, the trucking industry contributes significantly to state and federal roadway taxes owed by Washington motorists. In 2024, trucks accounted for 8.8 percent of the miles driven upon Washington roadways. The trucking industry accounts for over 170,000 jobs in Washington. Eighty percent of communities in Washington depend exclusively on trucks to move their goods.
(c) Collecting and evaluating data related to commercial vehicle collisions and safety incidents throughout Washington state is vitally important. Over the last 10 years, Washingtonians have seen an uptick in collisions involving large trucks, underscoring the urgent need for targeted strategies to improve roadway safety. According to the Washington traffic safety commission, commercial vehicles were involved in an increasing percentage of fatal and serious injury crashes, with factors such as distracted driving and driver fatigue contributing to these incidents. Through robust safety initiatives and ongoing evaluation, the legislature aims to focus efforts on a reduction in these crash rates and enhancement of the overall safety of Washington's transportation network.
(d) The Washington state trucking industry faces many challenges, including challenges related to workforce development, highway safety, highway planning, and public education. A coordinated and focused mechanism is critical to promote education, training, research, and development for enhanced safety and efficiency within the industry. Such a system provides for better communication between industry, the public, enforcement agencies, local government, and the legislature, to enhance the safe, efficient delivery of goods and services and to avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts and activities.
(e) Heavy vehicles present unique safety challenges due to their size, weight, maneuverability, and longer stopping distances compared to passenger vehicles. These attributes result in a narrow margin of error for drivers. From 2020 to 2022, 13 percent of fatalities occurred in crashes that involved a heavy vehicle. The behavior of heavy vehicle drivers and other drivers sharing the roadway with them influences the outcome of heavy truck crashes. Other drivers share this responsibility and must be aware of heavy vehicles. A national study of crashes from the 1990s identified drivers of passenger vehicles alone contributed to 70 percent of fatal, two-vehicle crashes that involved a heavy truck.
(f) Increasing education efforts, curriculum, and improved safety and hazard awareness can facilitate greater skill acquisition by heavy vehicle drivers. In addition, analysis supports the importance of focusing on behavior of the drivers of other vehicles. Raising awareness of safe driving practices and consideration for sharing the transportation system with trucks can support shared responsibility among road user modes.
(2) It is the intent of this act to establish the Washington state commercial truck safety and education council, hereinafter referred to as the "council," to recommend programs and projects to advance state interests in roadway safety and improve the safety of the commercial truck industry through cooperative public-private programs that focus on examining crash trends and evidence-based best practices in driver education, improved regulatory compliance, industry training, and educational programs to drive the safe movement of goods on Washington state highways. It is also the intent of the legislature to ensure that adequate funding is provided to implement this act to improve safety and efficiency in the trucking industry." [ 2026 c 61 s 1.]

catchline: Washington state commercial truck safety and education council.


title: RCW 43.60A.010

text:
As used in this chapter the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
(1) "Committee" means the veterans affairs advisory committee.
(2) "Department" means the department of veterans affairs.
(3) "Director" means the director of the department of veterans affairs.
(4) "Goods and services" includes professional services and all other goods and services.
(5) "Procurement" means the purchase, lease, or rental of any goods or services.
(6) "State agency" includes the state of Washington and all agencies, departments, offices, divisions, boards, commissions, and correctional and other types of institutions.
(7) "Veteran-owned business" means a business that is certified by the department to be at least fifty-one percent owned and controlled by:
(a) A veteran as defined in RCW 41.04.007; or
(b) An active or reserve member in any branch of the armed forces of the United States, including the national guard, coast guard, and armed forces reserves.
[ 2010 1st sp.s. c 7 s 117; 2010 c 5 s 2; 2006 c 343 s 2; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 1.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: (1) The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).
(2) This section was amended by 2010 c 5 s 2 and by 2010 1st sp.s. c 7 s 117, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.
Purpose—2010 c 5: "The legislature recognizes the unique sacrifices made by veterans and the substantial challenges that returning veterans face after a period of military duty away from home. The legislature further recognizes that veterans who own private businesses may face particular hardships as a direct result of their military service. The purpose of this act is to mitigate economic damage to veteran-owned businesses as a result of military service, and to provide opportunities to them in recognition of the outstanding service they have given to their country." [ 2010 c 5 s 1.]
Construction—2010 c 5: "This act is not intended to create a cause of action or entitlement in an individual or class of individuals." [ 2010 c 5 s 12.]
Findings—2006 c 343: See note following RCW 43.60A.160.


title: RCW 43.60A.020

text:
There is hereby created a department of state government to be known as the department of veterans affairs. Powers, duties, and functions to be vested in the department shall include, but not be limited to, all those powers, duties, and functions involving cooperation with other governmental units, such as cities and counties, or with the federal government, in particular those concerned with participation in federal grants-in-aid programs relating to veterans and veteran affairs.
[ 2017 c 185 s 1; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 2.]

catchline: Department created—Powers, duties, and functions.


title: RCW 43.60A.030

text:
The executive head and appointing authority of the department shall be the director of veterans affairs. The director shall be an honorably discharged or retired veteran of the armed forces of the United States and shall be appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. The director shall be paid a salary to be fixed by the governor in accordance with the provisions of RCW 43.03.040. If a vacancy occurs in the position of director while the senate is not in session, the governor shall make a temporary appointment until the next meeting of the senate, when the governor shall present the nomination for the office to that body.
[1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 3.]

catchline: Director—Qualifications—Salary—Vacancy.


title: RCW 43.60A.040

text:
The director of the department of veterans affairs shall have the power and it shall be the director's duty:
(1) To conduct, control, and supervise the department;
(2) To appoint and employ and to determine the powers and duties together with the salaries and other expenses of such clerical and other personnel, subject to the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW, as are necessary to carry out the duties of the department; and
(3) To perform all other matters and things, whether similar to the foregoing or not, to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
[1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 4.]

catchline: General powers and duties of director.


title: RCW 43.60A.050

text:
The director may appoint a deputy director and assistant directors as shall be needed to administer the department, all of whom shall be veterans. The deputy shall have charge and general supervision of the department in the absence or disability of the director, and in case of a vacancy in the office of director, shall continue in charge of the department until a successor is appointed and qualified, or until the governor shall appoint an acting director.
[ 2018 c 45 s 2; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 5.]
Notes:
Certain personnel of department exempted from state civil service law: RCW 41.06.077.

catchline: Deputy director—Assistant directors.


title: RCW 43.60A.060

text:
The director may delegate any power or duty vested in or transferred to the director by law or executive order to a deputy director or to any other assistant or subordinate, but the director shall be responsible for the official acts of the officers and employees of the department.
[1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 6.]

catchline: Delegation of powers and duties.


title: RCW 43.60A.070

text:
In addition to other powers and duties, the director is authorized:
(1) To cooperate with officers and agencies of the United States in all matters affecting veterans affairs;
(2) To accept grants, donations, and gifts on behalf of this state for veterans affairs from any person, corporation, government, or governmental agency, made for the benefit of a former member of the armed forces of this or any other country;
(3) To be custodian of all the records and files of the selective service system in Washington that may be turned over to this state by the United States or any department, bureau, or agency thereof; and to adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the preservation of such records and the proper use thereof in keeping with their confidential nature;
(4) To act without bond as conservator of the estate of a beneficiary of the veterans administration when the director determines no other suitable person will so act;
(5) To extend on behalf of the state of Washington such assistance as the director shall determine to be reasonably required to any veteran and to the dependents of any such veteran;
(6) To adopt rules pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedure Act, with respect to all matters of administration to carry into effect the purposes of this section. Such proposed rules shall be submitted by the department at the time of filing notice with the code reviser as required by RCW 34.05.320 to the respective legislative committees of the senate and of the house of representatives dealing with the subject of veteran affairs legislation through the offices of the secretary of the senate and chief clerk of the house of representatives.
[ 1989 c 175 s 108; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 8.]
Notes:
Effective date—1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.

catchline: Additional powers and duties of director.


title: RCW 43.60A.075

text:
The director of the department of veterans affairs shall have full power to manage and govern the state soldiers' home and colony, the Washington veterans' home, the eastern Washington veterans' home, and the Walla Walla veterans' home.
[ 2014 c 184 s 8; 2001 2nd sp.s. c 4 s 7; 1977 c 31 s 5.]

catchline: Powers as to state veterans' homes.


title: RCW 43.60A.080

text:
(1) There is hereby created a veterans affairs advisory committee which shall serve in an advisory capacity to the governor and the director of the department of veterans affairs. The committee shall appoint members to serve as liaisons to each of the state veterans' homes, unless the home has a representative appointed to the committee. This liaison must share information on committee meetings and business with the resident council of the state's veterans' homes, as well as bring information back for the committee's consideration to ensure veterans' home resident issues are included at regular committee meetings. The committee shall be composed of seventeen members to be appointed by the governor, and shall consist of the following:
(a) Two representatives of the state veterans' homes identified in RCW 43.60A.075. Each home's resident council may nominate up to three individuals whose names are to be forwarded by the director to the governor. In making the appointments, the governor shall consider these recommendations or request additional nominations. If there are no homes nominations, the governor may appoint a member at large in place of a home's representative.
(b) One representative each from the three congressionally chartered or nationally recognized veterans service organizations as listed in the current "Directory of Veterans Service Organizations" published by the United States department of veterans affairs with the largest number of active members in the state of Washington as determined by the director. The organizations' state commanders may each submit a list of three names to be forwarded to the governor by the director. In making the appointments, the governor shall consider these recommendations or request additional nominations.
(c) Six members shall be chosen to represent those congressionally chartered or nationally recognized veterans service organizations listed in the directory under (b) of this subsection and having at least one active chapter within the state of Washington. Up to three nominations may be forwarded from each organization to the governor by the director. In making the appointments, the governor shall consider these recommendations or request additional nominations.
(d) Six members shall be veterans at large, as well as any other at large member appointed pursuant to (a) of this subsection. Any individual or organization may nominate a veteran for an at large position. Organizational affiliation shall not be a prerequisite for nomination or appointment. All nominations for the at large positions shall be forwarded by the director to the governor.
(e) No organization shall have more than one official representative on the committee at any one time.
(f) In making appointments to the committee, care shall be taken to ensure that members represent all geographical portions of the state, minority viewpoints, military experiences, and personal attributes, and that the issues and views of concern to women veterans are represented.
(2) All members shall have terms of four years. In the case of a vacancy, appointment shall be only for the remainder of the unexpired term for which the vacancy occurs. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms, with vacancy appointments to an unexpired term not considered as a term.
(3) The committee shall adopt an order of business for conducting its meetings.
(4) The committee shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) To serve in an advisory capacity to the governor and the director on matters pertaining to the department of veterans affairs;
(b) To acquaint themselves fully with the operations of the department and recommend such changes to the governor and the director as they deem advisable.
(5) Members of the committee shall receive no compensation for the performance of their duties but shall receive a per diem allowance and mileage expense according to the provisions of chapter 43.03 RCW.
[ 2026 c 5 s 1; 2015 c 219 s 1; 1995 c 25 s 1; 1992 c 35 s 1; 1987 c 59 s 1; 1985 c 63 s 1; 1983 c 34 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 285 s 1; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 14.]

catchline: Veterans affairs advisory committee—Created—Membership—Terms—Powers and duties.


title: RCW 43.60A.100

text:
The department of veterans affairs, to the extent funds are made available, shall: (1) Contract with professional counseling specialists to provide a range of direct treatment services to state veterans, including national guard and reservists, with military-related mental health needs, and their family members; (2) provide additional treatment services to Washington state Vietnam veterans for posttraumatic stress disorder, particularly for those veterans whose posttraumatic stress disorder has intensified or initially emerged due to war or combat-related stress; (3) provide an educational program designed to train primary care professionals, such as mental health professionals, about the effects of war-related stress, trauma, and traumatic brain injury; (4) provide informational and counseling services for the purpose of establishing and fostering peer-support networks throughout the state for families of deployed members of the reserves and the Washington national guard; (5) provide for veterans' families, a referral network of community mental health providers who are skilled in treating deployment stress, combat stress, posttraumatic stress, traumatic brain injury; and (6) offer training and support for volunteers interested in providing peer-to-peer support to other veterans.
[ 2018 c 45 s 1. Prior: 2017 c 192 s 2; 2017 c 185 s 2; 1991 c 55 s 1.]
Notes:
Findings—2017 c 192: "The legislature finds that:
(1) Veterans are national heroes who have made great sacrifices in their lives for the protection of our nation;
(2) Due to the relatively high number of military installations in our state, as well as the standard of living in our state, many veterans choose to live in Washington;
(3) Many veterans have a need for support services, including peer-to-peer counseling services. Some veterans need to talk about their experiences with combat, deployment, or other situations experienced during their time in the military. Often, there is no person better prepared to speak with a veteran about his or her experiences than another veteran;
(4) In 2009, the state of Texas created an award winning peer-to-peer counseling network, called the military veteran peer network. On a voluntary basis, veterans elect to receive specialized training about the facilitation of group counseling sessions. After receiving their training, the volunteers create peer-to-peer support groups in their local communities;
(5) Veterans living in Washington would benefit from a program that is similar to the military veteran peer network." [ 2017 c 192 s 1.]
Findings—2017 c 192: See note following RCW 43.41.460.

catchline: Counseling services—Veterans, including national guard and reservists.


title: RCW 43.60A.110

text:
The department shall coordinate the programs contained in RCW 43.60A.100 with the services offered by the department of social and health services, local mental health organizations, and the federal department of veterans affairs to minimize duplication.
[ 1991 c 55 s 2.]

catchline: Counseling—Coordination of programs.


title: RCW 43.60A.120

text:
The department of veterans affairs shall give priority in its counseling and instructional programs to treating state veterans located in rural areas of the state, especially those who are members of traditionally underserved minority groups, and women veterans.
[ 1991 c 55 s 3.]

catchline: Counseling—Priority.


title: RCW 43.60A.130

text:
The department of veterans affairs shall design its posttraumatic stress disorder and combat stress programs and related activities to provide veterans with as much privacy and confidentiality as possible and yet consistent with sound program management.
[ 1991 c 55 s 4.]

catchline: Counseling—Posttraumatic stress disorder and combat stress program.


title: RCW 43.60A.140

text:
(1) The veterans stewardship account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. Disbursements of funds must be on the authorization of the director or the director's designee, and only for the purposes stated in subsection (4) of this section. In order to maintain an effective expenditure and revenue control, funds are subject in all respects to chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required to permit expenditure of the funds.
(2) The department may request and accept nondedicated contributions, grants, or gifts in cash or otherwise, including funds generated by the issuance of the armed forces license plate collection and the United States Naval Academy license plate under chapter 46.18 RCW.
(3) All receipts from the sale of armed forces license plates, United States Naval Academy license plates, and Purple Heart license plates as required under RCW 46.68.425(2) must be deposited into the veterans stewardship account.
(4) All moneys deposited into the veterans stewardship account must be used by the department for activities that benefit veterans or their families, including but not limited to, providing programs and services for homeless veterans; establishing memorials honoring veterans; and maintaining state veterans' cemeteries. Funds from the account may not be used to supplant existing funds received by the department.
[ 2025 c 385 s 8; 2023 c 327 s 2; 2019 c 415 s 965; 2016 c 31 s 4; 2010 c 161 s 1106; 2008 c 183 s 3; 2005 c 216 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 385 ss 3-24: See note following RCW 44.04.300.
Short title—2025 c 385: See note following RCW 46.18.060.
Effective date—2019 c 415: See note following RCW 28B.20.476.
Effective date—2016 c 31: See note following RCW 46.18.280.
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

catchline: Veterans stewardship account.


title: RCW 43.60A.150

text:
(1) The Washington veterans conservation corps is created. The department shall establish enrollment procedures for the program. Enrollees may choose to participate in either or both the volunteer projects list authorized in subsection (2) of this section, and the training, certification, ecotherapy, and placement program authorized in RCW 43.60A.151.
(2) The department shall create a list of veterans who are interested in working on projects that restore Washington's natural habitat. The department shall promote the opportunity to volunteer for the veterans conservation corps through its local counselors and representatives. Only veterans who grant their approval may be included on the list. The department shall consult with the salmon recovery board, the recreation and conservation funding board, the department of natural resources, the department of fish and wildlife, the department of agriculture, conservation districts, and the state parks and recreation commission to determine the most effective ways to market the veterans conservation corps to agencies and natural resource partners.
[ 2017 c 185 s 3. Prior: 2007 c 451 s 2; 2007 c 241 s 6; 2005 c 257 s 2.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2007 c 241: See notes following RCW 79A.25.005.
Findings—Purpose—2005 c 257: "The legislature finds that many Washington citizens are veterans of armed forces conflicts that have important skills that may be employed in projects that help to protect and restore Washington's rivers, streams, lakes, marine waters, and open lands, and help to maintain urban and suburban wastewater and stormwater management systems. The legislature further finds that such work has demonstrated benefits for many veterans who are coping with posttraumatic stress disorder or have other mental health or substance abuse disorders related to their service in the armed forces. The legislature further finds that these projects provide an opportunity for veterans to obtain on-the-job training, leading to certification in specific skill sets and to living wage employment in environmental restoration and stewardship. Therefore, it is the purpose of this chapter to create the veterans conservation corps program to assist veterans in obtaining training, certification, and employment in the field of environmental restoration and management, and to provide state funding assistance for projects that restore Washington's waters, forests, and habitat through the participation of veterans." [ 2007 c 451 s 1; 2005 c 257 s 1.]

catchline: Veterans conservation corps—Created.


title: RCW 43.60A.151

text:
(1) The department shall assist veterans enrolled in the veterans conservation corps with obtaining employment in conservation programs and projects that restore Washington's natural habitat, maintain and steward local, state, and federal forestlands and other outdoor lands, maintain and improve urban and suburban stormwater management facilities and other water management facilities, and other environmental maintenance, stewardship, and restoration projects. The department shall consult with the workforce training and education coordinating board, the state board for community and technical colleges, the employment security department, and other state agencies administering conservation corps programs, to incorporate training, education, ecotherapy, and certification in environmental restoration and management fields into the program. The department may enter into agreements with community colleges, private schools, conservation districts, state or local agencies, or other entities to provide training, internships, and educational courses as part of the enrollee benefits from the program.
(2) The department may receive gifts, grants, federal funds, or other moneys from public or private sources, for the use and benefit of the veterans conservation corps program. The funds shall be deposited to the veterans conservation corps account created in *RCW 43.60A.153.
[ 2017 c 185 s 4; 2012 c 229 s 820; 2007 c 451 s 3.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.60A.153 was repealed by 2022 c 157 s 23.
Effective date—2012 c 229 ss 101, 117, 401, 402, 501 through 594, 601 through 609, 701 through 708, 801 through 821, 902, and 904: See note following RCW 28B.77.005.

catchline: Veterans conservation corps—Employment assistance—Agreements for educational benefits—Receipt of gifts, grants, or federal moneys.


title: RCW 43.60A.152

text:
The department shall collaborate with the department of ecology and the department of natural resources and any of its partnering agencies in implementing the Washington conservation corps, created in chapter 43.220 RCW, to maximize the utilization of both conservation corps programs. These agencies shall work together to identify stewardship and maintenance projects on public lands that are suitable for work by veterans conservation corps enrollees. The department may expend funds appropriated to the veterans conservation corps program to defray the costs of education, training, and certification associated with the enrollees participating in such projects.
[ 2011 c 20 s 13; 2007 c 451 s 5.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2011 c 20: See note following RCW 43.220.020.
Intent—Application—2011 c 20: See RCW 43.220.905.

catchline: Collaboration with departments implementing the Washington conservation corps.


title: RCW 43.60A.154

text:
The department shall seek to enter agreements with the bureau of land management, the national park service, the United States forest service, the United States fish and wildlife service, and other federal agencies managing lands or waterways in Washington, for the employment of veterans conservation corps enrollees in maintenance, restoration, and stewardship projects.
[ 2017 c 185 s 5; 2007 c 451 s 7.]

catchline: Agreements with federal entities for projects.


title: RCW 43.60A.155

text:
The salmon recovery funding board shall cooperate with the department of veterans affairs to inform salmon habitat project sponsors of the availability of veterans conservation corps enrollees to perform project work. From applications submitted, the board and the department shall identify projects that propose work suitable for corps enrollees and located near where enrollees are based or may be created. The department may provide the project applicants with information regarding the benefits of employing a veterans conservation corps enrollee in the project, as well as training to increase the success of hiring a veteran.
[ 2017 c 185 s 6; 2007 c 451 s 8.]

catchline: Cooperation with the salmon recovery funding board regarding project work.


title: RCW 43.60A.160

text:
(1) There is created in the department a veterans innovations program. The purpose of the veterans innovations program is to provide crisis and emergency relief and education, training, and employment assistance to veterans and their families in their communities.
(2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for the specific purposes provided in this section, the department must:
(a) Establish a process to make veterans and those still serving in the national guard or armed forces reserve aware of the veterans innovations program;
(b) Develop partnerships to assist veterans, national guard, or reservists in completing the veterans innovations program application; and
(c) Provide funding to support eligible veterans, national guard members, or armed forces reserves for:
(i) Crisis and emergency relief; and
(ii) Education, training, and employment assistance.
[ 2014 c 179 s 1; 2006 c 343 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—2006 c 343: "The legislature finds that:
(1) A significant number of Washington citizens answered the call to serve our country in recent military action leaving behind families, community, employment, and education;
(2) Many soldiers returning to their families and communities face transition problems in areas such as family reunification, employment, education, and health;
(3) While the Washington state department of veterans affairs has provided services to many returning soldiers, a significant number have returned to families and communities without continuing ties to the military department or veterans' administration, but still in need of help; and
(4) Our state needs to honor and serve those who have protected our security and safety." [ 2006 c 343 s 1.]

catchline: Veterans innovations program.


title: RCW 43.60A.175

text:
(1) The department may receive gifts, grants, or endowments from public or private sources that are made from time to time, in trust or otherwise, for the use and benefit of the purposes of the veterans innovations program and spend gifts, grants, or endowments or income from the public or private sources according to their terms, unless the receipt of the gifts, grants, or endowments violates RCW 29B.45.020.
(2) The department may adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW as necessary to carry out the purposes of RCW 43.60A.160 through 43.60A.185.
(3) The department may perform all acts and functions as necessary or convenient to carry out the powers expressly granted or implied under chapter 343, Laws of 2006.
[ 2024 c 164 s 524; 2014 c 179 s 2; 2011 c 60 s 37; 2006 c 343 s 6.]
Notes:
Intent—Construction—Rules remain valid—Effective date—2024 c 164: See notes following RCW 29B.10.010.
Effective date—2011 c 60: See note following RCW 29B.20.030.
Findings—2006 c 343: See note following RCW 43.60A.160.

catchline: Receipt of gifts, grants, or endowments—Rule-making authority.


title: RCW 43.60A.185

text:
The veterans innovations program account is created in the state treasury. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for purposes of the veterans innovations program.
[ 2014 c 179 s 3; 2010 1st sp.s. c 37 s 924; 2006 c 343 s 8.]
Notes:
Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 37: See note following RCW 13.06.050.
Findings—2006 c 343: See note following RCW 43.60A.160.

catchline: Veterans innovations program account.