Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Rural Development, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 2138
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 Description: Requiring signage on certain lands that are closed to the public.
Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Kretz, Chapman and Dent.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/15/20
Staff: Robert Hatfield (786-7117).
Background:
The Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) are charged with managing the public lands of the state. The WDFW owns or manages nearly one million acres of public land for fish and wildlife, habitat conservation, and wildlife-related recreation. The DNR protects and manages approximately 5.6 million acres of state-owned land. In addition, the Washington State Parks system includes 124 developed parks covering approximately 138,000 acres.
Summary of Bill:
The WDFW, the DNR, and the Commission are directed to post a sign when any land owned, leased, held, or managed by any of these agencies is closed to any specific type of public access or recreation for more than three consecutive weeks. The sign must indicate the land's closed status, be located in an obvious location on the land, and contain a reference to the relevant state law or administrative rule supporting that land's closure.
This provision applies prospectively only; it does not require these agencies to change their existing schedules related to sign updates, replacement, or removal.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 8, 2020.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.