BILL ANALYSIS

               House Bill 1061

               Regulating Metal Detectors

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

Committee:      Natural Resources

Sponsor(s):     Representatives Sheldon

Background:

The State Parks and Recreation Commission allows metal detectors to be used 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 employees a full-time archaeologist to identify historic archaeological resources.  The Commission estimates that approximately 20% of the total acreage in the state park=s system has been surveyed for archaeological resources. 

Summary:

The commission cannot prohibit the recreational use of metal detectors in any area of a state park except in areas where a historic archaeological resource has been identified.  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.

             Prepared by Rick Anderson (786-7114)

               House Natural Resources Committee

                       January 29, 1997