Brief Description: Establishing an optional state parks vehicle registration fee.

Sponsors: Representative Kessler.

Hearing Date: 1/13/06

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) is granted authority to care for and supervise the state parks system. The Commission also has the authority to charge fees for the use of facilities. On January 1, 2003 the Commission authorized a $7 daily parking fee and a $70 annual parking pass, discounted to $5 per day and $50 per year until January 2008. Moneys collected from parking fees are deposited into the Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account and are used for state parks operations, development, and renovations.

Vehicle licenses are required for motor vehicles to operate on public highways. License tab fees are collected annually by the Department of Licensing (DOL) or by authorized agents for registration years designated by the DOL.

Summary of Bill:

At the time of initial vehicle registration or renewal, an additional $5 fee must be paid and deposited in the Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account. However, if a person certifies that they do not intend to use the vehicle to visit state parks, the DOL can not collect the fee. Moneys collected from the fee are used for the operation and maintenance of the state parks system.

The Commission is prohibited from charging a fee for parking or for general park access.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/4/06.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.