SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6196

                    As of January 19, 2000

Title:  An act relating to recreational metal detectors.

Brief Description:  Allowing the use of metal detectors in certain state parks.

Sponsors:  Senators T. Sheldon, Oke and Stevens.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  1/24/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Staff:  David Johnson (786-7754)

Background:  Recreational metal detector use is currently allowed in portions of 67 of the 125  state's parks.  Such use is regulated under rules designed to protect the privacy of other park users and to avoid disturbing sensitive natural or historical areas.

In 1997 the Legislature directed state parks to increase the area available for use by recreational metal detectors by at least 200 acres, and by 50 acres per year thereafter until 2003.

There is a desire for increased access to state park land for recreational metal detecting.

Summary of Bill:  Recreational metal detector use is allowed in all state parks.  Metal detector use is not allowed in areas where an historic archaeological resource has been formally identified.

Use of detectors may be regulated by reasonable rules of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 13, 2000.

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