Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington SB6241: Steelhead populations
Status: In committee, January 29, 2026
Enhancing steelhead populations with wild broodstock conservation programs.
What the bill says
An act Relating to enhancing steelhead populations with wild broodstock conservation programs; adding a new section to chapter 77.105 RCW; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to enhancing steelhead populations with wild broodstock conservation programs; adding a new section to chapter 77.105 RCW; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that steelhead trout are one of the anadromous fish populations in Washington state that are struggling from weak returns, habitat reduction, and predator pressure. The legislature further finds that salmon and steelhead hatchery production and capacity are being reduced. The legislature further finds that on the other side of the Columbia river, steelhead fisheries in Oregon are stabilizing and ocean returns are increasing in part due to wild broodstock conservation programs. Therefore, the legislature finds that the department of fish and wildlife shall pursue similar programs in Washington to stabilize steelhead populations, implement the goals set forth in chapter 77.110 RCW, and manage steelhead trout in a way to encourage and increase recovery of the steelhead population. NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 77.105 RCW to read as follows: (1) In every WRIA as defined in RCW 90.82.020 with a native steelhead population, the department must implement a steelhead wild broodstock conservation program in which volunteers deliver live broodstock to a hatchery or rearing facility. The department then shall rear the wild fish for release at the appropriate time. (2) The wild broodstock …
Sponsors
- John Braun (R) · primary sponsor
- Matt Boehnke (R)
- Perry Dozier (R)
- Robert Hasegawa (D)
- Keith Wagoner (R)
- Lisa Wellman (D)
Latest actions
- : Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 1:30 PM.
- : First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.
Subjects: FISH AND FISHING
Common questions
- What is SB6241?
- SB6241 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Steelhead populations.
- What does SB6241 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to enhancing steelhead populations with wild broodstock conservation programs; adding a new section to chapter 77.105 RCW; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of SB6241?
- In committee as of January 29, 2026. Latest action: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 1:30 PM. (January 29, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB6241?
- John Braun (R), with 5 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB6241?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6241&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.