Brief Description: Creating a state park foster home pass.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Honeyford and Hewitt).

Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
House Committee on Ecology & Parks
House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government & Audit Review

Background: Washington statute provides state park fee discounts and exemptions to several categories of residents. These categories 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.

The state of Oregon has adopted legislation and regulations exempting foster parents from state park fees when accompanied by a foster child. When arriving at a park, a foster parent must show park staff the certificate proving their foster parent status in order to receive the exemption. Foster parents are eligible for free camping and day use at Oregon state parks.

Summary: A foster home pass is created for Washington residents who: (1) provide licensed foster care under a foster family home license; or (2) serve as a relative caregiver to a child placed with that resident by the Department of Social and Health Services or a child placing agency. When accompanied by a foster child, the pass entitles the holder to free admission and free camping at state parks. The pass does not expressly provide an exemption from camping reservation fees.

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 State Parks and Recreation 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.

Several terms are defined by referencing the statutes governing foster care. Technical changes are also made regarding the organization of the park pass statute.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      46   0
House      92   1   (House amended)
Senate      48   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 12, 2008