(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section and as limited by RCW 77.36.100, 77.36.070, 77.36.080, 77.36.170, and 77.36.180, the cash compensation portion of each claim by the department under this chapter is limited to the lesser of:

(a) The value of the damage to the property by wildlife, reduced by the amount of compensation provided to the claimant by any nonprofit organizations that provide compensation to private property owners due to financial losses caused by wildlife interactions. The value of killed or injured livestock may be no more than the market value of the lost livestock subject to the conditions and criteria established by rule of the commission; or

(b) $30,000.

(2) All payments of claims by the department under this chapter must be paid to the owner of the damaged property and may not be assigned to a third party.

(3) The burden of proving all property damage, including damage to commercial crops and livestock, belongs to the claimant.

Intent—2024 c 264: See note following RCW 77.36.080.

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