Official Text and Analysis.

Removes an annual cap on permit fees established by the Department of Ecology (Ecology) and charged to municipalities for operating sewage systems and discharging wastewater from treatment facilities into state waters.

Adds representatives to the newly formed advisory committee that must recommend permit fee adjustments for municipal wastewater facilities: One from a permitted facility serving more than 200,000 people; one from a special purpose district; and requires the Department of Ecology (Ecology) to offer tribal consultation and invite federally recognized tribes to participate. Clarifies that the goal of the advisory committee's task to recommend a permit fee structure is to reduce permitting backlogs and issue permits in a timely manner. Requires Ecology to present the advisory committee recommendations to the legislature at some time once they are available through the 2023 legislative session. Requires that Ecology's biennial progress report on the use of permit fees include information: (1) On the implementation of a revised fee structure for municipal wastewater discharge permits; and (2) demonstrating progress towards goals for reducing the wastewater discharge permit backlog.

Senate concurred in Senate amendments. Passed final passage .