Could Hirst Fix Be Dead For Session

In Olympia, Wednesday was the deadline for bills to progress forwarded, to be considered for the remainder of the 2017 session.  However, SB 5239, dubbed the Hirst Fix did not advance.  The legislation sponsored by Moses Lake Republican Judy Warnick would have addressed several components of last fall’s Hirst Decision.  Representative Ed Orcutt told the Washington Ag Network it’s disappointing Warnick’s Bill couldn’t make it out of the House Ag Committee.

“I think it’s important for the agriculture community, I think it’s important for small land owners, who just want to build on their property.  That’s one that I’m disappointed we didn’t at least advance out of committee, but hopefully there’s a way that can be brought forward at a later time this session.”

Orcutt said if there is a perceived budget impact to Warnick’s legislation, it could be brought back later in the session.  Orcutt added he was also disappointed that SB 5010 which would have addressed contradictory water law did not make its way our of committee.

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