SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5243

                As Passed Senate, March 6, 1997

Title:  An act relating to exempting disabled veterans from reservation fees for state parks.

Brief Description:  Exempting disabled veterans from reservation fees for state parks.

Sponsors:  Senators Oke, Rasmussen, Winsley, Morton, Benton, Prince, Stevens, Horn, Zarelli, Long, Roach, Swecker, Deccio, McCaslin, Hale, Sellar, Johnson, Bauer, McAuliffe and Haugen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources & Parks:  1/28/97, 2/7/97 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/6/97, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Staff:  Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background:  Current law entitles any Washington State resident, who is a veteran with at least a 30 percent service-connected disability, to a lifetime veteran=s disability pass at no cost.  The pass entitles (1) the person to free admission to any state park, and (2) the person and members of the camping unit to free use of any campsite within any state park.

Summary of Bill:  Any Washington State resident, who is a veteran with at least a 30 percent service-connected disability, is entitled to an exemption from any reservation fees.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 20, 1997.

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

Testimony For:  Service people should get this waiver as a small benefit to help repay them for their sacrifices for their country.  Many of these people live on a fixed income.  This will facilitate use of state parks for post traumatic stress disorder therapy.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Bob Sauter, Veteran=s Legislative Coalition (pro); Glenn Galbreath, Paralyzed Veterans of America (pro); David VanHousen, Disabled American Veterans (pro); Kent Cushman, Retired  Officer Association (pro); Cleve Pinnix, Washington State Parks.