SB 6147-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Finds that:  (1) State parks are a valuable asset to the people of the state of Washington, contributing to their health, education, and well-being;

     (2) well maintained state parks are an attraction and contribute significantly to the economic well-being of the state of Washington;

     (3) well maintained state parks encourage the appreciation of the natural resources and natural beauty of the state of Washington;

     (4) there is an increasing demand for more state parks and more state parks services;

     (5) there are individuals and groups who desire to contribute to the continued vitality of the state parks system;

     (6) providing a tax-deductible method for individuals and groups to contribute is an effective way of increasing available funds to improve the state parks system; and

     (7) it is in the public interest to create a nonprofit foundation to provide such a method for individuals and groups to contribute to the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of the state parks system.

     Declares that the purpose of the Washington state parks gift foundation is to solicit support for the state parks system, cooperate with other organizations, and to encourage gifts to support and improve the state parks.

     Requires that, by September 1, 2000, the commission shall file articles of incorporation in accordance with the Washington nonprofit corporation act, chapter 24.03 RCW, to establish the Washington state parks gift foundation.  The foundation shall not be an agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision of the state and shall not disburse public funds.