Brief Description: Adjusting ORV fees.

Sponsors: Representatives Condotta, Cooper and Hinkle.

Hearing Date: 2/3/04

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

Persons wishing to operate an off-road vehicle (ORV) in Washington must obtain an ORV use permit from the Department of Licensing (DOL) or an authorized agent. There are several exceptions to the ORV use permit requirement including ORVs operated by federal, state or local governments and ORVs operated on lands owned or leased by the operator. In addition, ORVs registered as vehicles for valid operation on state highways are not required to obtain an ORV use permit.

Currently, an annual ORV use permit or a renewal costs $5. Temporary permits, which are valid for 60 days, cost $2.

After retaining sufficient funds to cover administrative expenses for the DOL, moneys collected for ORV use permits are deposited in the Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicle Program Activities (NOVA) account, along with NOVA funds from the motor vehicle tax refund. The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) oversees the NOVA grant program, providing funding for the development and management of ORV and nonhighway road recreation facilities. Moneys from ORV permit use fees may only be expended for ORV recreation facilities.

Summary of Bill:

The price of an annual ORV use permit or a renewal is increased from $5 to $18. Temporary 60 day ORV use permit fees are increased from $2 to $7. After retaining funds to cover administrative costs for the DOL, revenues from the ORV permit use fee are deposited in the NOVA account for ORV recreation facilities.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/27/2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.