HOUSE BILL REPORT
ESSB 5010
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Ecology & Parks
Title: An act relating to creating a state park foster home pass.
Brief Description: Creating a state park foster home pass.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Honeyford and Hewitt).
Brief History:
Ecology & Parks: 2/22/08, 2/26/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Upthegrove, Chair; Rolfes, Vice Chair; Sump, Ranking Minority Member; Dickerson, Dunshee, Eickmeyer, Kristiansen, O'Brien and Pearson.
Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).
Background:
Washington statute provides state park fee discounts and exemptions to several categories of
residents. These classes include: (1) senior citizens with a limited income; (2) disabled
persons; and (3) disabled veterans. Generally, the exemptions provide free park admission
and a 50 percent reduction in camping fees. The disabled veteran exemption, however,
provides free park admission, an exemption from camping reservation fees, and free
camping.
Summary of Bill:
Washington residents qualify for a foster home pass when they either provide licensed foster
care to a child under a foster family home license or are related to that child. When
accompanied by a foster child, the pass entitles the holder and the members of his or her
camping unit to free admission and camping at state parks.
Applicants must request a pass from the State Parks and Recreation Commission
(Commission). The Commission must verify with the Department of Social and Health
Services that the applicant is eligible for a pass. The Commission must issue passes for no
less than one year.
The Commission must also negotiate to allow holders of the foster home park pass free
access and use of park campsites at Central Ferry, Chief Timothy, Crow Butte, and Lyons
Ferry in Asotin County. The Commission will request reimbursement on a biennial basis.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This is a way to say thank you to foster parents and their children.
(Opposed) This would be a fiscal impact to State Parks. This bill would be a double hit to
the State Parks. First, camping would be free to these park holders and their camping units
and so State Parks would have to change their software and do rule making to accommodate
this new pass. Second, State Parks would have to negotiate with the Army Corps of
Engineers for access to the non-state-owned parks. State Parks would like to see a stable
source of revenue before implementing this program.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Senator Honeyford, prime sponsor.
(Opposed) Fred Romero, Washington State Parks.