H-0625.1 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 1061
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State of Washington 55th Legislature 1997 Regular Session
By Representatives Sheldon, Mielke and Grant
Read first time 01/13/97. Referred to Committee on Natural Resources.
AN ACT Relating to metal detectors in state parks; adding a new section to chapter 43.51 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. It is the intent of the legislature that those significant historic archaeological resources on state park lands that are of importance to the history of our state, or its communities, be protected for the people of the state. At the same time, the legislature also recognizes that the recreational use of metal detectors in state parks is a legitimate form of recreation that can be compatible with the protection of significant historic archaeological resources. It is, therefore, the intent of the legislature to allow the recreational use of metal detectors in state parks except in areas where significant historic archaeological resources have been identified.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.51 RCW to read as follows:
The commission may not prohibit the use of metal detectors for recreational purposes in state parks except in areas where a historic archaeological resource has been identified pursuant to RCW 27.53.030(11). In those state park areas that do not contain significant historic archaeological resources under RCW 27.53.030(11), the use of metal detectors shall be permitted subject to reasonable rules set forth by the commission. The commission shall annually review its list of parks in which the use of metal detectors is allowed and shall include any additional park areas that have been verified as not having significant historic archaeological resources.
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