SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5305
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Natural Resources & Parks, February 16, 2017
Title: An act relating to supporting access to state recreation lands by disabled veterans.
Brief Description: Supporting access to state recreation lands by disabled veterans.
Sponsors: Senators O'Ban, Zeiger, Bailey and Conway.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 1/31/17, 2/16/17 [DP-WM].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Pearson, Chair; Hawkins, Vice Chair; Van De Wege, Ranking Minority Member; Fortunato and McCoy.
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: Discover Pass Program in General. During the 2011 regular session, the Legislature established the requirement for an annual Discover Pass or day-use permit for motor vehicle access to recreation lands managed by the State Parks & Recreation Commission (State Parks), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Department of Fish &Wildlife (DFW).
Discover Pass Exemptions. A Discover Pass or day-use permit is not required in certain circumstances. Examples include the following:
parking at designated short-term parking areas;
entry onto state lands consistent with a written authorization such as a lease or contract;
accessing DFW lands with a Vehicle Access Pass, which is issued along with certain hunting and fishing licenses; and
operating on an ungated road managed by DNR or DFW.
Partial Discover Pass Exemption Through the State Parks Pass Program. The statutorily created State Parks pass program provides a series of partial Discover Pass exemptions. Those who qualify for a senior citizen limited income pass, a disability pass, a disabled veteran lifetime pass, or a foster home pass receive free or discounted camping and free access to state parks. More specifically, any Washington resident who is a veteran and has a service-connected disability of at least 30 percent can receive a disabled veteran lifetime pass, entitling the veteran to free use of any campsite and free admission to any state park.
Summary of Bill: A Discover Pass is not required where a disabled veteran lifetime pass issued by State Parks is displayed, as long as the person to whom the pass is issued is a driver or passenger in the motor vehicle.
A penalty for failure to display a Discover Pass must be waived if a person provides the court with evidence that the person has obtained or is eligible for a disabled veteran lifetime pass.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill supports veterans.
OTHER: Supporting veterans is a worthy cause, but there are a number of proposals in the Legislature this year that could affect Discover Pass funding.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Ted Wicorek, Veterans Legislative Coalition. OTHER: Todd Tatum, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.