SHB 2275

SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 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.

As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation, March 22, 2007
Transportation, April 2, 2007

Sponsors: House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Kessler, B. Sullivan, Kenney, Chase and Hunt).

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 3/19/07, 3/22/07 [DPA-WM].

Majority Report: Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Rockefeller, Vice Chair; Morton, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hargrove, Poulsen, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended by Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Berkey, Clements, Delvin, Holmquist, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, Sheldon and Spanel.

Background: Persons must ensure that a vehicle is properly licensed before operating that vehicle on a public highway. License tab fees are $30 for motor vehicles, which include cars, sport utility vehicles, motorcycles, and motor homes. License fees for vehicles including trucks, tractors, and busses are imposed on a sliding scale based on weight.

The Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account is an appropriated account used for purposes including the operation of state parks, the development and renovation of park facilities, and for undertaking deferred maintenance.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The Department of Licensing (DOL) must provide an opportunity for vehicle owners to voluntarily donate five dollars to benefit state parks when registering a vehicle. Specifically, DOL must make this opportunity available to persons making an initial or renewal registration for a motor vehicle or for certain trucks, tractors, and busses that weigh 10,000 pounds or less.

Donations received must be deposited in the State Park Renewal and Stewardship Account. DOL must allow these donations on registrations due on or after January 1, 2008.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT(S) AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation): All language from SHB 2275 is retained. In addition, language is added directing the Director of the Department of General Administration and the State Parks and Recreation Commission to jointly host a task force to study and develop proposals: (1) for the best management structure for the capitol campus; (2) to promote tourism to the capitol campus; (3) to enrich the educational experience offered for visitors to the capitol campus; (4) to promote the architecture, horticulture, and art of the capitol campus; (5) to increase interagency coordination regarding management of the capitol campus area; and (6) to increase volunteer opportunities at the capitol campus.

The membership of the task force, which includes four legislative representatives, is specified. The task force is required to report its recommendations to the Legislature by November 1, 2007. The task force expires July 1, 2008.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation): PRO: The goal of the bill is to help provide consistent funding for state parks, and to ensure that donations coupled with vehicle registrations are voluntary. The costs associated with the bill largely involve DOL moving to larger registration renewal notices, something DOL was going to have to undertake anyway. Additionally, the fiscal note assumes that only 5 percent of people registering or renewing vehicle registrations will donate, which is a very low estimate. This measure will help cover money lost after parking fees were removed from state parks.

Persons Testifying (Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation): PRO: Representative Kessler, prime sponsor.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Transportation): PRO: State parks are our state jewels and we need a financial source to help support them.

Persons Testifying (Transportation): PRO: Matt Zuvich, Washington Federation of State Employees; Myke Gable, DOL.