Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 2275

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.

Brief Description: Regarding funding of state parks.

Sponsors: Representatives Kessler and B. Sullivan.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires motor vehicles to pay an additional 5 dollars at the time of renewal registration or initial registration. The fee will be deposited into the State Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account to be used for the operation and maintenance of state parks.
  • Allows a person to opt-out of the 5 dollar fee if a person certifies that he or she does not intend to use the vehicle to visit state parks.

Hearing Date: 2/22/07

Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).

Background:

The State Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account

All receipts from user fees, concessions, leases, and other state park-based activities are deposited into the State Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account (Account). Expenditures from the Account are used for operating state parks, developing and renovating park facilities, undertaking deferred maintenance, enhancing park stewardship, and other state park purposes. Expenditures from the Account may be made only after appropriation by the Legislature [RCW 79A.05.215].

License fees

A $30 license tab fee is required per year for motor vehicles, regardless of year, value, make, or model. The motor vehicles required to pay the $30 include cars, sport utility vehicles, motorcycles, and motor homes. Trailers and campers are not required to pay license tab fees [RCW 46.16.0621].

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) will collect five additional dollars at a motor vehicle's initial registration or renewal. The fee will be deposited into the State Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account to be used for the operation and maintenance of state parks.

When registering a vehicle, the owner may certify that he or she does not intend to use the vehicle to visit state parks. The DOL will not collect a $5 fee from vehicles not intended to be used to visit state parks.

The DOL will begin collecting the $5 fee on registrations due on or after August 1, 2007.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 16, 2007.

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