Program authorized — Conditions.
RCW 77.80.020
in effect(1)(a) The department may purchase commercial fishing vessels and appurtenant gear, and the current state commercial fishing licenses, delivery permits, and charter boat licenses if the license or permit holder was substantially restricted in fishing as a result of compliance with United States of America et al. v. State of Washington et al., Civil No. 9213, United States District Court for Western District of Washington, February 12, 1974, and Sohappy v. Smith, 302 F. Supp. 899 (D. Oregon, 1969), as amended, affirmed, and remanded 529 F. 2d 570 (9th Cir., 1976). (b) The department may also make such purchases if the license or permit holder was substantially restricted in fishing as a result of compliance with United States of America et al. v. State of Washington et al ., 873 F. Supp. 1422 (W.D. Wash. 1994) as affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded 157 F.3d 630 (9th Cir., 1998), if the federal government provides funding to the state for the purpose of initiating these purchases. (2) The department shall not purchase a vessel under this section without also purchasing all current Washington commercial fishing licenses and delivery permits and charter boat licenses issued to the vessel or its owner. The department may purchase current licenses and delivery permits without purchasing the vessel.
(1)(a) The department may purchase commercial fishing vessels and appurtenant gear, and the current state commercial fishing licenses, delivery permits, and charter boat licenses if the license or permit holder was substantially restricted in fishing as a result of compliance with United States of America et al. v. State of Washington et al., Civil No. 9213, United States District Court for Western District of Washington, February 12, 1974, and Sohappy v. Smith, 302 F. Supp. 899 (D. Oregon, 1969), as amended, affirmed, and remanded 529 F. 2d 570 (9th Cir., 1976).
(b) The department may also make such purchases if the license or permit holder was substantially restricted in fishing as a result of compliance with United States of America et al. v. State of Washington et al ., 873 F. Supp. 1422 (W.D. Wash. 1994) as affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded 157 F.3d 630 (9th Cir., 1998), if the federal government provides funding to the state for the purpose of initiating these purchases.
(2) The department shall not purchase a vessel under this section without also purchasing all current Washington commercial fishing licenses and delivery permits and charter boat licenses issued to the vessel or its owner. The department may purchase current licenses and delivery permits without purchasing the vessel.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.80&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026