HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5097
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 House Committee On:
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs
Title: An act relating to allowing spouses to combine volunteer hours for purposes of receiving a complimentary discover pass.
Brief Description: Allowing spouses to combine volunteer hours for purposes of receiving a complimentary discover pass.
Sponsors: Senators Becker, Pearson, Bailey, Hatfield, Holmquist Newbry, Tom, Schoesler, Rivers, Honeyford, Padden, Roach and Parlette.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs: 3/6/13, 3/19/13 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING & TRIBAL AFFAIRS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives McCoy, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Angel, Ranking Minority Member; Johnson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haler, Pike, Ryu, Santos and Sawyer.
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
In 2011 the Legislature created the Discover Pass to help recover the costs for the operation and management of state lands used for recreational activities. The Discover Pass establishes a user fee for motor vehicle access to recreational areas managed by the State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (collectively "the agencies").
A Discover Pass costs $30 per year and may be used for up to two vehicles. A day-use permit is also available for $10 per day. The agencies are permitted to sell an annual Family Discover Pass that is fully transferrable among vehicles, although such passes are currently not offered. All money received from the Discover Pass and day-use permits sales are deposited into a special account and distributed to the agencies on a proportional basis established by the Legislature.
The agencies must issue a complimentary Discover Pass to any volunteer who performs 24 hours of volunteer service in a year on agency-sanctioned volunteer projects. The volunteer receives a voucher for each project that includes the number of service hours worked. The vouchers are submitted to the agencies and redeemed for a Discover Pass.
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Summary of Bill:
Married spouses are entitled to a single complimentary Discover Pass for working a combined 24 hours of volunteer service in a year on agency-sanctioned volunteer projects.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The fiscal impact is negligible. Most couples who volunteer will earn their volunteer hours for one vehicle and purchase the Discover Pass for another vehicle anyway. This bill recognizes the group of volunteers who work on the horse and backcountry trails.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Jim King, Citizens for Parks and Recreation.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.