SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5979

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 of February 1, 2012

Title: An act relating to ensuring that the trust beneficiaries receive their proportionate distribution of moneys received from the sale of discover passes.

Brief Description: Ensuring that the trust beneficiaries receive their proportionate distribution of moneys received from the sale of discover passes.

Sponsors: Senators Honeyford, Morton, Delvin, Becker and Schoesler.

Committee Activity: Energy, Natural Resources & Marine Waters: 2/02/12.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, NATURAL RESOURCES & MARINE WATERS

Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)

Background: Discover Pass Program Generally. During the 2011 regular session, the Legislature passed 2SSB 5622 which generally requires an annual Discover Pass or day-use permit for access to certain recreation lands managed by the State Parks & Recreation Commission (State Parks), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW).

The legislation also created the DFW Vehicle Access Pass, which is issued along with certain hunting and fishing licenses and allows access to DFW managed lands.

Distribution of Discover Pass Revenues. The Recreation Access Pass Account (Account) is created in the State Treasury. All funds from the sale of Discover Passes and day-use permits must be deposited into the Account.

For the first $71 million in revenue collected under the provisions of this bill each fiscal biennium:

8 percent is deposited into the State Wildlife Account-DFW;
8 percent is deposited into the Park Land Trust Revolving Account-DNR; and
84 percent is deposited in the State Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account.

All revenues exceeding $71 million each fiscal biennium are distributed equally amongst the agencies. Each agency has different allowed uses for the revenue; however, generally the revenue may be used for operations and maintenance of recreation areas.

Summary of Bill: The 8 percent of the first $71 million in a fiscal biennium distributed to DNR must be distributed as follows:

30 percent to Park Land Trust Revolving Account, which is the account that receives the monies under current law; and

70 percent must be distributed equitably to the state upland trust beneficiaries of state lands and state forest lands, as determined by the Commissioner of Public Lands.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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