HB 2626-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Finds that the state parks and recreation commission, the department of natural resources, and the fish and wildlife commission have difficulty maintaining recreation sites they own because of insufficient funds.

     Finds that the lack of funds to maintain and repair these recreation sites may result in the closure of some of these sites to the public at a time when the demand for outdoor recreation areas continues to increase.

     Declares an intent to create an evergreen recreation pass that will be available to serve as a renewable annual recreation pass for state-owned recreation sites in lieu of day-use fees, that this recreation pass will be widely available, and that purchase of this pass is optional for members of the general public.

     Requires the department of fish and wildlife, the department of natural resources, the state parks and recreation commission, and the interagency committee for outdoor recreation, in coordination with affected stakeholder groups, to develop a legislative proposal for the implementation of an evergreen recreation pass.