Washington SB5360: Environmental crimes

What the bill says

An act Relating to environmental crimes; amending RCW 90.48.020 and 70A.300.010; reenacting and amending RCW 70A.15.1030 and 9.94A.515; adding new sections to chapter 90.48 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 70A.15 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 70A.300 RCW; repealing RCW 90.48.140, 70A.15.3150, 70A.300.100, and 70A.300.110; and prescribing penalties.

From the introduced text:

AN ACT Relating to environmental crimes; amending RCW 90.48.020 and 70A.300.010; reenacting and amending RCW 70A.15.1030 and 9.94A.515; adding new sections to chapter 90.48 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 70A.15 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 70A.300 RCW; repealing RCW 90.48.140, 70A.15.3150, 70A.300.100, and 70A.300.110; and prescribing penalties. Sec. 1. RCW 90.48.020 and 2002 c 161 s 4 are each amended to read as follows: Whenever the word "person" is used in this chapter, it shall be construed to include any political subdivision, government agency, municipality, industry, public or private corporation, copartnership, association, firm, individual, or any other entity whatsoever. Wherever the words "waters of the state" shall be used in this chapter, they shall be construed to include lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, inland waters, underground waters, salt waters, and all other surface waters and watercourses within the jurisdiction of the state of Washington. Whenever the word "pollution" is used in this chapter, it shall be construed to mean such contamination, or other alteration of the physical, chemical or biological properties, of any waters of the state, including change in temperature, taste, color, turbidity, or odor of the waters, or such discharge of any liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive, or other substance into any waters of the state as will or is likely to create a nuisance or render such …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Yasmin Trudeau (D) · primary sponsor
• Liz Lovelett (D)
• Noel Frame (D)
• Robert Hasegawa (D)
• Deborah Krishnadasan (D)
• T'wina Nobles (D)
• Javier Valdez (D)

Latest actions

1. March 12, 2026: By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
2. February 23, 2026: Public hearing in the House Committee on Environment & Energy at 1:30 PM.
3. February 19, 2026: First reading, referred to Environment & Energy.
4. February 17, 2026: Third reading, passed; yeas, 27; nays, 22; absent, 0; excused, 0.
5. February 17, 2026: Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
6. February 17, 2026: Floor amendment
7. February 17, 2026: Returned to second reading for amendment.
8. February 17, 2026: Rules suspended.
9. February 16, 2026: Placed on third reading by Rules Committee.
10. January 12, 2026: By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

Votes

• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 17, 2026): 27 yea, 22 nay, passed
• House Committee on Environment & Energy: Do pass as amended (March 31, 2025): 11 yea, 9 nay, passed
• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (March 4, 2025): 29 yea, 20 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5360 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass (February 7, 2025): 8 yea, 2 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB5360?

SB5360 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Environmental crimes.

What does SB5360 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to environmental crimes; amending RCW 90.48.020 and 70A.300.010; reenacting and amending RCW 70A.15.1030 and 9.94A.515; adding new sections to chapter 90.48 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 70A.15 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 70A.300 RCW; repealing RCW 90.48.140, 70A.15.3150, 70A.300.100, and 70A.300.110; and prescribing penalties.

What is the status of SB5360?

Passed one chamber as of March 12, 2026. Latest action: By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (March 12, 2026).

Who sponsored SB5360?

Yasmin Trudeau (D), with 6 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB5360?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5360&Year=2025