HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  SB 5138

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Natural Resources

Title:  An act relating to offenses committed in state parks or parkways.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to offenses committed in state parks or parkways.

Sponsors:  Senators Oke, Snyder, Swecker and Winsley; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Natural Resources:  3/21/97, 4/3/97 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 9 members:  Representatives Buck, Chairman; Sump, Vice Chairman; Thompson, Vice Chairman; Regala, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander; Anderson; Hatfield; Pennington and Sheldon.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation.  Signed by 1 member:  Representative Chandler.

Staff:  Rick Anderson (786-7114).

Background:  It is unlawful to cut, break, injure, destroy, or take vegetation or natural objects within a state park.  The Parks and Recreation Commission does not have authority to prescribe rules to grant exceptions to this law.  Berry-picking, environmental education classes, and scientific studies are examples of activities that violate this law.

Summary of Bill:  The commission is authorized to adopt rules allowing exemptions to the law that prohibits a cut, break, or take of vegetation or natural objects in state parks.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This is a common sense bill.  It literally allows people to enjoy the fruits of our state parks.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Bob Oke, prime sponsor; and Rex Derr, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (pro).