Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Community & Economic Development Committee
SB 5504
Brief Description: Extending current discover pass free days from state parks to all state recreation sites and lands.
Sponsors: Senators Warnick, Van De Wege, Billig, Conway, Das, Lovelett, Mullet, Nguyen, Randall, Salda?a, Wagoner, Wilson, J. and Wilson, L.; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Parks and Recreation Commission to designate up to 12 days per year where access to recreation sites or lands is free. 
Hearing Date: 2/16/22
Staff: Cassie Jones (786-7303).
Background:

The Discover Pass is an annual pass that allows a vehicle to access state recreation sites or lands owned by the Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission), the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW).  The cost of a Discover Pass is $30.  A person may also purchase a day-use permit, valid for one calendar day, for $10.  Recreation sites or lands includes state parks, state forestlands, natural resource conservation areas, natural area preserves, and fish and wildlife conservation sites.

 

The Commission is required to provide up to 12 days a year where entry to state parks is free.  At least three days of those days must be on weekends.  When practicable, the free access days should be timed to correspond with any similar free access days planned by the National Park Service for national parks located in the general region of high-volume state parks. 
Summary of Bill:

The Commission must consult with the Director of DFW and the Commissioner of Public Lands to designate up to 12 days per year where entry to recreation sites or lands is free.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.