SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5484

                As Passed Senate, March 8, 1999

Title:  An act relating to concessions or leases in state parks and parkways.

Brief Description:  Granting concessions or leases in state parks and parkways.

Sponsors:  Senators McAuliffe, Rossi, Hargrove and Oke; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  2/1/99, 2/3/99 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/8/99, 45-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; T. Sheldon, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Morton, Oke, Rossi, Snyder, Spanel and Stevens.

Staff:  David Johnson (786-7754)

Background:  The Parks and Recreation Commission has the authority to grant concessions and leases.  The length of these contracts is limited to 40 years.  Because of federal tax rules, this limit is believed to be preventing leases on some historic properties.

Summary of Bill:  The power to grant concessions and leases is changed to allow a maximum term of 50 years.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This bill will save the state the cost of funding the rehabilitation of some historic properties.  It also encourages private citizen involvement.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Rex Derr, State Parks; Cathy Rogers, ND.