FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1061

                         C 150 L 97

                     Synopsis as Enacted

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

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by  Representatives Sheldon, Mielke and Grant).

House Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks

Background:  The State Parks and Recreation Commission allows the use of metal detectors in specified state parks with certain restrictions.  These restrictions are outlined in rules adopted by the commission.  In general, these rules describe where, how, and when metal detectors can be used.  Park areas that allow the use of metal detectors must be posted as being open to the use of metal detectors.  Portions of 66 state parks allow recreational metal detecting. 

The State Parks and Recreation Commission employs two full-time archaeologists to identify historic archaeological resources.  The commission estimates that approximately 20 percent of the total acreage in the state parks' system has been surveyed for these resources. 

Summary:  By September 1, 1997, the Parks and Recreation Commission must open 200 new acres of state park land for use by recreational metal detectors.  For the following five years, the commission must open an additional 50 acres per year to recreational metal detectors.  The commission must also develop a cost-effective plan to identify historic resources in at least one state park that has a military fort on Puget Sound.  By December 1, 1997, the commission must submit a report to the Legislature identifying the cost of the plan and how it will be implemented. 

Votes on Final Passage:

House  95 0

Senate 48 0

Effective:July 27, 1997