Title: An act relating to prohibiting the assessment of fees for basic parkland access by the state parks and recreation commission.

Brief Description: Prohibiting the assessment of fees for basic parkland access by the state parks and recreation commission.

Sponsors: Senators Sheldon, Morton, Benson and Mulliken.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/2/05.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: The Parks and Recreation Commission established a parking fee for six state parks in 2002 which was expanded to all parks in 2003. The $5.00 fee brings in about $4 million dollars a biennium and is used for both operations and for long term maintenance of the system. The fee applies to vehicles and not to other types of methods of park entry.

Summary of Bill: The Parks and Recreation Commission is prohibited from charging fees for basic park access.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.