These statutes enable the state of Washington to lease public lands for agriculture or grazing.

Section 79.13.420 of this law was amended in 2021 by HB 1199 to provide compensation for lessees in the event the department terminates the lease early for reasons other than default by the lessee. For grazing leases, the department will pay the annual rent multiplied by six, not including nongrazing years. For agricultural leases, the department will pay the expected net return the lessee would have realized from crops raised on the land per a specific formula. Lessees will also be compensated for the fair market value of any improvements they placed on the property. If the early termination triggers a financial penalty for a lessee participating in a conservation services program, the department will pay the penalty.

This bill was enacted on April 14, 2021 and is effective on July 25, 2021.