FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5139

                          C  137 L 97

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Regarding enterprise activities of the state parks and recreation commission.

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

Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Natural Resources

Background:  The 1994 Legislature directed the Parks and Recreation Commission to study ways to restructure its finances to stabilize its budget.  As a result of the study, the commission adopted a series of  recommendations that were presented to the 1995 Legislature and adopted.  This included creation of a parks renewal and stewardship account which ensures park patrons that the fees they pay are dedicated to supporting park facilities and services.

The purpose of the proposed legislation is to ensure that all revenue generated by the Parks and Recreation Commission is deposited into the parks renewal and stewardship account.

Summary:  The purpose of the parks improvement account is clarified.  The director is authorized to transfer funds generated by the sale of literature and materials from the parks improvement account to the parks renewal and stewardship account and to expend those funds for any purposes permitted by the stewardship account statute.

Money from donations or bequests is deposited in the stewardship account.  Funds from the sale of sand are placed in this account.  Moneys collected from ski lift inspections are also deposited into the parks renewal and stewardship account.

The commission=s authority to publish and sell interpretative recreational and historical materials and literature in and outside of park facilities is clarified.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 48 0

House    98 0

Effective:  July 1, 1997