H-2708.1
HOUSE BILL 2275
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By Representatives Reeves, Springer, Scott, Salahuddin, and Bernbaum
Prefiled 01/06/26. Read first time 01/12/26. Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources.
AN ACT Relating to wildfire prevention and creating the Washington wildfire prevention and protection council; amending RCW 76.04.185 and 80.28.445 ; reenacting and amending RCW 43.84.092 , 43.84.092 , 43.84.092 , 43.84.092 , 43.84.092 , and 43.84.092 ; adding a new chapter to Title 76 RCW; providing effective dates; providing a contingent effective date; providing expiration dates; and providing contingent expiration dates.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that the increased cost of catastrophic wildfires poses an immediate and growing threat to communities, infrastructure, and property in all regions of Washington state. Changing climate conditions and development patterns in the wildland urban interface increases both the likelihood and severity of wildfires capable of consuming entire communities in a single event.
(2) The legislature further finds that the state must enact policies that both mitigate wildfire risk and prepare Washington to respond effectively when catastrophic wildfires occur. The scale and speed of modern wildfire events require proactive planning, financial readiness, and coordinated oversight to protect lives, property, and essential public systems.