SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2919

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Parks, Fish & Wildlife, February 24, 2004

Ways & Means, March 1, 2004

Title: An act relating to off-road vehicle use permits.

Brief Description: Adjusting ORV fees.

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

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 2/23/04, 2/24/04 [DP-WM].

Ways & Means: 3/1/04 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Oke, Chair; Sheahan, Vice Chair; Doumit, Jacobsen, Morton, Spanel and Swecker.

Staff: Kari Guy (786-7437)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Zarelli, Chair; Hewitt, Vice Chair; Parlette, Vice Chair; Carlson, Doumit, Fairley, Fraser, Hale, Johnson, Pflug, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Sheahan, B. Sheldon and Winsley.

Staff: Brian Sims (786-7431)

Background: Persons wishing to operate an off-road vehicle (ORV) in Washington must obtain an ORV use permit from the Department of Licensing 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.

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

After retaining sufficient funds to cover administrative expenses for the Department of Licensing, 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 tax refund. The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation 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 of Bill: The price of 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.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on November 1, 2004.

Testimony For: ORV fees haven't been raised since 1971. The fees are dedicated to ORV use, and this fee increase is widely supported in the ORV community.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Rep. Condotta, prime sponsor.