SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5139

                As Passed Senate, March 6, 1997

Title:  An act relating to the state parks and recreation commission fiscal matters.

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.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources & Parks:  1/17/97, 1/24/97 [DP-WM].

Ways & Means:  2/11/97, 2/12/97 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/6/97, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

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

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators West, Chair; Deccio, Vice Chair; Strannigan, Vice Chair; Bauer, Fraser, Hochstatter, Kohl, Long, Loveland, Rossi, Schow, Sheldon, Spanel, Thibaudeau and Zarelli.

Staff:  Cathy Baker (786-7708)

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 of Bill:  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, and 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. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For (Natural Resources & Parks):  Most of the accounts recommended for changes in 1995 were done.  This is a cleanup which makes changes to those overlooked.

Testimony Against (Natural Resources & Parks):  None.

Testified (Natural Resources & Parks):  Cleve Pinnix, State Parks (pro).

Testimony For (Ways & Means):  Most of the accounts recommended for changes in 1995 were done.  This is a cleanup which makes changes to those overlooked.

Testimony Against (Ways & Means):  None.

Testified (Ways & Means):  Cleve Pinnix, Rose Amurao, State Parks (pro).