SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1615

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

           Natural Resources & Parks, April 4, 1997

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:  Representatives Alexander, Regala and Sump; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources & Parks:  4/4/97 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Oke, Chair; Rossi, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Jacobsen, Morton, Prentice, Roach, Snyder, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

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 adopt rules to grant exemptions to this law.  Berry-picking, environmental education classes, and scientific studies are examples of activities that should have an exemption.

Summary of Bill:  The commission is authorized to adopt rules allowing exemptions to the law which prohibits cutting, breaking, or taking of vegetation or natural objects in state parks.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  This is the same as SB 5138, which has passed the Senate.  It gives the Parks and Recreation Commission authority to allow some items to be taken from parks.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Rep. Gary Alexander.