FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2919

C 106 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Adjusting ORV fees.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Fisheries, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Condotta, Cooper and Hinkle).

House Committee on Fisheries, Ecology & Parks

House Committee on Capital Budget

Senate Committee on Parks, Fish & Wildlife

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

Persons wishing to operate an off-road vehicle (ORV) in Washington must obtain an ORV use permit from the Department of Licensing (DOL) or an authorized agent. There are several exceptions to the ORV use permit requirement, including ORVs operated by federal, state, or local governments and ORVs operated on lands owned or leased by the operator. In addition, ORVs registered as vehicles for valid operation on state highways are not required to obtain an ORV use permit.

An annual ORV use permit or a renewal costs $5. Temporary ORV use permits, which are valid for 60 days, cost $2.

After retaining sufficient funds to cover administrative expenses for the DOL, moneys collected for ORV use permits are deposited in the Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicle Program Activities (NOVA) account, along with NOVA funds from the motor vehicle fuel tax refund. The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) oversees the NOVA grant program, providing funding for the development and management of ORV and nonhighway road recreation facilities. Moneys from ORV permit use fees may only be expended for ORV recreation facilities.

Summary:

ORV use permit fees are modified for registrations that are due on or after November 1, 2004. The fee for an annual ORV use permit or a renewal is increased from $5 to $18. Temporary 60 day ORV use permit fees are increased from $2 to $7.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 80  16

Senate 41  8

Effective: June 10, 2004