2325-S2 AMH SANT WEHL 342
2SHB 2325 - H AMD 1709
By Representative Santos |
ADOPTED 02/23/2026
On page 2, line 22, after "about" strike "responsible" and insert "respectful, responsible,"
On page 2, line 25, after "benefits" insert "that enhance and do not detract from the unique character of communities, including micro-communities,"
On page 10, after line 20, insert the following:
"Sec. 14. RCW 43.384.050 and 2025 c 189 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) From amounts appropriated to the department for the authority and from other moneys available to it, the authority may incur expenditures for any purpose specifically authorized by this chapter including:
(a) Entering into a contract for a multiple year statewide tourism marketing plan with a statewide nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is marketing Washington to tourists. The contract must be equitably inclusive of diverse communities across the state, particularly tribal nations, rural communities, and population centers that historically have not been consulted in the development of destination marketing efforts by the state. The marketing plan must include, but is not limited to, ((focuses on)) historically and culturally unique communities and rural tourism-dependent counties, natural wonders and outdoor recreation opportunities of the state, including sustainable whale watching, attraction of international tourists, identification of local offerings for tourists, and assistance for tourism areas adversely impacted by natural disasters;
(b) Contracting for the evaluation of the impact of the statewide tourism marketing program; and
(c) Paying for administrative expenses of the authority, which may not exceed two percent of the state portion of funds collected in any fiscal year.
(2) All nonstate moneys received by the authority under RCW 43.384.060 or otherwise provided to the authority for purposes of matching funding must be deposited in the authority's private local account created under RCW 43.384.020(4) and are held in trust for uses authorized solely by this chapter.
(3) "Sustainable whale watching" means an experience that includes whale watching from land or aboard a vessel that reduces the impact on whales, provides a recreational and educational experience, and motivates participants to care about marine mammals, the sea, and marine conservation.
(4) The authority may incur expenditures for the purposes of section 3, chapter 189, Laws of 2025 until June 30, 2026."
Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
| EFFECT: Includes respectful visitation as a goal of tourism education, in addition to responsible and sustainable visitation to communities and public and tribal lands.
Includes benefits that enhance the unique character of communities, including micro-communities, as a tourism-driven economic opportunity in urban and rural regions.
Requires the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority's contract with a statewide nonprofit organization to market Washington to tourists to be equitably inclusive of diverse communities, including tribal nations, rural communities, and population centers that have not historically been consulted in the state's development of destination marketing efforts.
Adds historically and culturally unique communities to the elements of the marketing plan. Removes the requirement that the marketing plan focus on the elements of the plan. |
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