HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1634

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Natural Resources

Title:  An act relating to metal detectors in state parks.

Brief Description:  Restricting the state parks and recreation commission authority to regulate metal detectors.

Sponsors:  Representatives Sheldon, Cairnes, Elliot, Fuhrman and Stevens.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Natural Resources:  2/22/95, 2/28/95 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 15 members:  Representatives Fuhrman, Chairman; Buck, Vice Chairman; Pennington, Vice Chairman; Basich, Ranking Minority Member; Regala, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Beeksma; Cairnes; Elliot; G. Fisher; Jacobsen; Romero; Sheldon; Stevens; B. Thomas and Thompson.

Staff:  Rick Anderson (786-7114).

Background: The State Parks and Recreation Commission allows metal detectors to be used in state parks with certain restrictions.  These restrictions are outlined in rules adopted by the commission.  In general, these rules restrict the use of metal detectors to specified portions of a park during daylight hours.  These areas must be posted as being open to the use of metal detectors. 

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The commission may prohibit the recreational use of metal detectors in any area of a state park where historic archaeological resources have been, or may be, found.  The commission is directed to allow the use of metal detectors in parks that do not contain archaeological resources, subject to reasonable rules adopted by the commission.  The commission must annually review its list of areas where metal detection is allowed and include any areas that have been identified as not having historic archaeological resources.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:   The substitute bill adds the provision requiring an annual review of parks allowing the use of metal detectors.  The substitute bill allows the commission to prohibit metal detection in areas for which the presence or absence of archaeological resources has not been confirmed. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:   Recreational metal detection is a hobby.  These recreational users do not disrupt the park environment and would like access to more of the state parks.

Testimony Against:   The commission has recently updated its rules on recreational metal detection.  The rule changes incorporate many changes requested by recreational metal detectors.  Recreational metal detection is allowed in 66 state parks.

Testified:  Ronald Sharer, Olympic Peninsula Treasurer Hunters (in favor); and Cleve Pinnix, Washington State Parks (oppose).