SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5301

                AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 4, 1993

Brief Description:  Authorizing the state parks and recreation commission to enter into cooperative agreements with private nonprofit corporations with regard to state park property and facilities.

SPONSORS: Senators Fraser, Oke, Barr, Haugen and Winsley

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Fraser, Chairman; Moore, Sutherland, and Talmadge.

Staff:  Cathy Baker (786‑7708)

Hearing Dates: February 5, 1993; February 8, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The State Parks and Recreation Commission may allow private nonprofit groups to use state park property and facilities to raise money for state parks.  If available, agency personnel and services may be used in the fund-raising effort.  Under current law, the moneys raised must be used solely for park purposes; none of the funds may go to the nonprofit group except in its status as a public user of park facilities.  This has been interpreted to mean that private nonprofit groups may not recoup expenses related to their fundraising programs for State Parks.    

SUMMARY:

The State Parks and Recreation Commission is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with private nonprofit groups. 

The commission may assist nonprofit groups by providing necessary agency personnel and services, if available. 

The requirement that the money raised be used solely for the commission is removed.  None of the money raised by a nonprofit group may benefit the group except in furtherance of its purpose to support state parks. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue: none

Fiscal Note:available

TESTIMONY FOR:

Volunteer fundraising efforts for state parks are important, especially during times of tight resources and budget cuts.  There are many nonprofit groups that are willing to help raise funds for state parks, but they need to be able to recover expenses incurred in the course of fundraising activities.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Nina Carter, State Parks Commission; Loren McGovern, Carol O'Connor, Backcountry Horsemen's Association