(1) Unless the legislature declares an emergency under this section, the department may pay no more than thirty thousand dollars per fiscal year from the general fund for claims and assessment costs for damage to commercial crops caused by wild deer or elk submitted under RCW 77.36.100.

     (2)(a) The legislature may declare an emergency if weather, fire, or other natural events result in deer or elk causing excessive damage to commercial crops.

     (b) After an emergency declaration, the department may pay as much as may be subsequently appropriated, in addition to the funds authorized under subsection (1) of this section, for claims and assessment costs under RCW 77.36.100. Such money shall be used to pay wildlife interaction claims only if the claim meets the conditions of RCW 77.36.100 and the department has expended all funds authorized under RCW 77.36.070 or subsection (1) of this section.

[2009 c 333 § 60; 1996 c 54 § 9; (2001 c 274 § 3 expired June 30, 2004).]

NOTES:

     Effective date -- Application -- 2009 c 333 §§ 53-66: See notes following RCW 77.36.010.

     Expiration date -- 2001 c 274 §§ 1-3: See note following RCW 77.36.010.

     Effective date -- 2001 c 274: See note following RCW 77.36.010.