We’ll Try Again for Wildlife Crossings Legislation Next Session

The bill was awaiting consideration on the House floor but unfortunately was passed within the limited time of the short session.

Thank you all for your support of SB 5203, the wildlife safe passage bill, throughout this last session! Although it did not pass, it received substantial support, along with feedback outlining conditions that can be addressed in a future effort.

Conservation Northwest extends our appreciation to the Representatives who were responsive and engaged in working through proposed amendments and advancing the bill toward a floor vote, as well as all our supporters and partners who activated in support of the bill.

In the 2026 short session, ESSB 5203 passed out of the Senate, and through the House Transportation Committee to await a floor vote. While Sine Die arrived without action, this momentum is a significant victory and leaves us well positioned to try again in the next year’s legislative session.

Why Wildlife Crossings Matter:

• Protecting habitat connectivity: Roads fragment habitat and interrupt seasonal movement, threatening herd health and resilience.
• Reducing collisions: Every collision is a loss of life, costly to drivers, and a strain on emergency resources.
• Leveraging proven solutions: Wildlife crossings are having greatest impact- using proven methods that already work on I-90 and U.S. 97.
• Strengthening collaboration: 2026’s ESSB 5203 was written to ensure WDFW and WSDOT coordinate effectively, aligning agency efforts to maximize results.