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

Sponsors: By House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, Kretz, Blake and Moeller; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission).

House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources
Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation

Background:

Park Passes.

The State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) may charge fees for the use of campsites located at state parks. The rate of the fee is set by the Commission. However, regardless of the fee set, there are three categories of individuals who are eligible to receive a discounted rate for camping: seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans with service-related disabilities.

Seniors and people with disabilities are eligible for a pass that entitles them to a 50 percent discount in campsite rental fees. Veterans with a service-related disability are entitled to a pass that provides for the free use of any campsite.

Individuals who meet the requirements for the discounted passes must be given a pass. The passes are valid until surrendered. The Commission may only compel the surrender of a pass if the holder is found to no longer meet the eligibility requirements for the pass.

Prohibited Activities.

It is illegal for any person, regardless of motive, to injure or destroy plant materials in a state park, or to kill or pursue with the intent to kill any bird or other animal in a state park. A person found guilty of killing or taking a plant or animal in a state park can be prosecuted for a misdemeanor.

Summary:

The Commission is provided with the authority to deny or revoke a parks pass if there is cause. The Commission may find cause if the pass holder or applicant:

• is not a Washington resident;
• has violated laws or park rules that resulted in an eviction from a park;
• has intimidated, obstructed, or assaulted a park employee or volunteer;
• has used the pass in a fraudulent manner;
• provided false information on the application;
• refuses to display the pass when requested; or
• fails to provide current eligibility requirement information.

The Commission is also provided with the authority to enter into agreements for reciprocal discounted programs with other outdoor recreation agencies and to permit scientific research within a state park that provides for the killing of a bird or other animal.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   97   0
Senate   47   0   (Senate amended)
House   94   0   (House concurred)

Effective: July 22, 2007