FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6670

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.

Background: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the State Parks and Recreation Commission (State Parks) are charged with managing the public lands of the state. DFW owns or manages nearly one million acres of public land and 500 water access areas for fish and wildlife, habitat conservation, and wildlife-related recreation. DNR protects and manages 5.6 million acres of state-owned land. The state parks system includes 124 developed parks covering approximately 138,000 acres.

The Discover Pass is an annual pass allowing a vehicle to access state recreation lands owned by State Parks, DFW, or DNR. A Discover Pass costs $30. The annual Discover Pass is transferrable between two vehicles. A day-use permit, which serves the same function as the annual pass, but is only valid for one calendar day, costs $10. Revenue from both passes is initially deposited in the Recreation Access Pass Account, and is then distributed to the three agencies as follows:

84 percent to State Parks—State Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account;
8 percent to DFW—State Wildlife Account; and
8 percent to DNR—Park Land Trust Revolving Fund.

Summary: State Parks must provide at least two library discover passes, once each calendar year, to any library that submits a request. State Parks is not required to replace any library discover pass that is lost or not returned. State Parks should prioritize the distribution of any additional library discover passes to libraries that also check out outdoor equipment, such as backpacks, binoculars, field guides, and other equipment that will enhance the patron's outdoor experience.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	47	0
House	96	0