S-4907.1  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6843

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington   57th Legislature        2002 Regular Session

By Senators Roach, McDonald, Swecker, Rasmussen, Jacobsen, Honeyford, Shin, Hochstatter and Stevens

Read first time 03/14/2002.  Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines.

Allowing nonprofit organizations to operate state parks that close due to lack of funding.

    AN ACT Relating to the operation of state parks by volunteers; adding a new section to chapter 79A.05 RCW; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 79A.05 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) A state park facility closed due to a lack of funding may be operated on an interim basis by one or more nonprofit organizations.

    (2) In order to assume this obligation, the nonprofit organization or organizations must apply to the commission.  The commission shall accept, review, and approve the applications as expediently as practicable.

    (3) Each nonprofit organization applying under this section must outline the plan for operating the park.  The plan may make provisions for full or part-time operation of the park.

    (4) In considering applications submitted under subsection (2) of this section, the commission must approve all applications unless the applicant is deemed unable to meet the obligations it offers to provide.

    This section expires July 1, 2006.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.

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