Brief Description: Allowing the parks and recreation commission to deny or revoke the issuance of a park pass in certain circumstances.

Sponsors: Representatives B. Sullivan, Buck and Upthegrove; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.

Hearing Date: 1/24/06

Staff: Amy Van Horn (786-7168).

Background:

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) cares for and supervises the state parks system, including charging fees for using facilities and enforcing park rules. The Commission grants reduced fees or free admission to parks and campsites for several types of citizens. The Commission grants a senior citizen's pass, a disabled citizen's pass, and a disabled veteran's pass. Each pass has specific eligibility criteria which passholders must meet, and they all require residence in Washington.

Summary of Bill:

Revoking Passes for Cause

The Commission may deny or revoke any park pass for cause. Cause includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:

• residency outside the state;
• a violation of park rules or state laws resulting in eviction from a park;
• intimidating, obstructing, or assaulting a park employee who is performing official duties;
• fraudulent use of a pass;
• providing false information or documentation in an application for a state parks pass;
• refusing to display or show the pass when requested by a park employee; or
• failing to provide current eligibility information upon request by the agency, or when eligibility ceases or changes.

Reciprocity Passes

The Commission may enter into reciprocal or discounted pass programs with other outdoor recreation agencies.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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