Directs the department, in consultation with the ballast water work group, or a similar collaborative forum, to adopt by rule standards for the discharge of ballast water into the waters of the state and their implementation timelines. The standards are intended to ensure that the discharge of ballast water poses minimal risk of introducing nonindigenous species. In developing these standards, the department shall consider the extent to which the requirement is technologically and practically feasible. Where practical and appropriate, the standards must be compatible with standards set by the United States coast guard, the federal clean water act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251-1387), or the international maritime organization.

Requires the ballast water work group to: (1) Provide a report to the legislature by July 1, 2009, on the progress of the work group on the tasks listed in this act, and report on compliance with this act, and recommendations for improvements, if any, to the ballast water program;

(2) Work with the state of Oregon to develop a consistent, coordinated, and enforceable ballast water management program for the Columbia river that is acceptable to both states;

(3) Advise the department as it develops a program to establish and maintain an inventory of introduced nonindigenous plants and animals in state waters in and adjacent to ports, harbors, oil transfer facilities, grain elevators, and other ship berthing facilities and evaluate the effectiveness of the program and a program to assess vessel specific risks;

(4) Help the department review the needs of the ballast water program, including research investments, and identify unmet needs. Work through the Puget Sound action team and the department's internal budget development process to secure needed funds;

(5) Help the department develop and align the state program with national and regional ballast water management programs;

(6) Assist the department by developing a workable technical and financial assistance program to support the shipping industry comply with state ballast water laws and rules; and

(7) Work with the United States coast guard and the department of ecology to improve coordination and integration of vessel inspection procedures among agencies that board and inspect vessels and identify ways to minimize apparent duplication of effort, work more effectively with vessel masters and crew, and recommend changes to state law to streamline the program, if needed.

Repeals RCW 77.120.060, 77.120.080, and 77.120.090.