HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  SB 5015

                    As Passed Legislature

Title:  An act relating to volunteer cooperative projects.

Brief Description:  Providing for landowner liability protection for volunteer projects.

Sponsor(s):  Senators Metcalf, Oke and Thorsness.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Natural Resources & Parks, March 29, 1991, DP;

Passed House, April 18, 1991, 95-1;

Passed Legislature, 95-1.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 9 members:  Representatives Belcher, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Beck, Ranking Minority Member; Brumsickle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dellwo; Fraser; Morton; Riley; and Wynne.

Staff:  Randy Acker (786-7129).

Background:  A public or private owner, or person in control of lands or water areas in Washington who allows the public to use the lands and water for outdoor recreation, without charging a fee, is not liable for unintentional injuries to recreational users.

The departments of Fisheries and Wildlife administer cooperative fish and wildlife enhancement programs and enter into agreements with volunteer groups related to cooperative projects.  Cooperative projects are defined as projects conducted by a volunteer group that benefit the fish and wildlife resources of the state and for which the benefits of the projects are available to all residents of the state.

Summary of Bill:  A public or private owner, or person in control of lands or water areas is not liable for unintentional injuries to any volunteer group or user that is on the land for the purpose of a fish or wildlife cooperative project, or the cleanup of litter or other solid waste.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  None.