HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6575

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Metcalf and Kreidler; by request of Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission)

Clarifying liability of the parks and recreation commission for ski lift inspection.

House Committe on Judiciary

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Armstrong, Chair; Crane, Vice Chair; Appelwick, Belcher, Lewis, Meyers, Moyer, Schmidt, Scott, Wang and Wineberry.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (2)

      Signed by Representatives Padden and Patrick.

House Staff:Harry Reinert (786-7110)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY FEBRUARY 23, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Owners and operators of recreational conveyances, specifically including ski lifts and similar devices for winter recreation activities, are required to submit plans and specifications to the State Parks and Recreation Commission prior to installation.  The commission may issue orders requiring repairs or reconstruction of defective or dangerous devices, including prohibiting its use until such action is taken.  The commission is to employ or retain one or more qualified engineers, one of whom is to be designated as the inspector of recreational devices.

The inspector is to inspect at least once each year all recreational devices covered by the law and to report any dangerous or defective equipment to the commission.  The expenses of the inspection are to be reimbursed by the owner or operator.  The "Department's" inspections, rules, and orders do not impose liability upon the state for any injury or damage resulting from the operation of regulated facilities.

SUMMARY:

References to the "department" are corrected to refer to the State Parks and Recreation Commission.  The limitation on liability for the Commission's regulatory activities is expressly extended to the commission's approval of plans and specifications.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Cleve Pinnix, Parks and Recreation Commission; Dennis Martin, WSTLA.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    There is an ambiguity in the statute limiting the state's liability for approval of recreational devices.  This bill clarifies that statute.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.