Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Environment Committee

HB 1833

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.

Brief Summary of Bill

When practicable, the State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) must pair free state park entry days with local community events and functions in communities located in the general proximity of a state park.
Requires the Commission to consult with interested local parks and recreation directors when establishing free state park entry days to help identify planned local community events.

Background:

A public access pass is required to be displayed on any vehicle accessing most lands managed by the State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) or by the departments of Natural Resources or Fish and Wildlife (state recreation agencies). The pass must either be a Discover Pass or a Vehicle Access Pass. A Discover Pass costs $30 for an annual pass or $10 for a day-use permit. The Vehicle Access Pass is available free of charge to anyone who purchases certain hunting or fishing licenses and only allows access to lands managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Revenue from the sales of Discover Passes and Vehicle Access Passes are deposited into the Recreation Pass Account and distributed to the state recreation agencies according to a set formula. Of the first $71 million of recreation pass sales, 84 percent is distributed to the Commission and the remainder is equally divided between the Department of Natural Resources and the WDFW. All sales above $71 million are distributed equally among the three state recreation agencies.

The Commission is required to designate up to 12 days during which state parks can be legally accessed without having to display a Discover Pass or day-use permit. At least three of the pass-free days at state parks must be on weekends and, when practicable, timed with similar free access days offered by the National Park Service.

Summary of Bill:

When practicable, the Commission must pair free state park entry days with local community events and functions in communities located in the general proximity of a state park. The Commission must consult with interested local parks and recreation directors when establishing the days when a Discover Pass or day-use permit is not required to legally access state parks to help identify planned local community events.