SB 5260

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5260

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 Passed Senate, March 7, 2007

Title: An act relating to park passes.

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

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen and Morton; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/24/07, 2/1/07 [DP].

Passed Senate: 3/07/07, 49-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Rockefeller, Vice Chair; Morton, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hargrove, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)

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.

The discount pass statute requires the holder of a senior citizen's pass to surrender the pass on request of a State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) employee when the employee has reason to believe that the holder does not meet the applicable eligibility requirements. However, there is no specific language that addresses revoking or making void discount passes in other situations.

Summary of Bill: The Commission may deny or revoke any discount park pass for cause. The term "for cause" includes, but is not limited to:

residency outside of the state;
violations of laws or rules resulting in eviction from a state park;
intimidating, obstructing, or assaulting a park employee or volunteer;
fraudulent use of a discount pass;
providing false information when applying for a discount pass;
refusing to display a discount pass to a park employee upon request; or
failing to provide current pass eligibility information upon request or when eligibility for a discount pass ceases or changes.

The Commission may participate with other outdoor recreation agencies in mutually agreed upon reciprocal or discounted pass programs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Currently, the State Parks and Recreation Commission cannot revoke park passes. There have been several incidents over the past few years in which passholders have threatened park staff or acted in a manner that disrupts other park users. Although only a small portion of passholders ever cause a problem, this authority would help address that problem.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Fred Romero, State Parks and Recreation Commission.