Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee |
SSB 5289
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: Concerning the discover pass.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove, Hatfield, Ranker, Hobbs, Sheldon and Schoesler).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/19/13
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
In 2011 the Legislature created the Discover Pass to help recover the costs for the operation and management of state lands used for recreational activities. The Discover Pass establishes a user fee for motor vehicle access to recreational areas managed by the State Parks and Recreation Commission (State Parks), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) (collectively "the agencies").
Discover Pass.
A Discover Pass costs $30 per year and may be used for up to two vehicles. A day-use permit is also available for $10 per day. The agencies are permitted to sell an annual Family Discover Pass for no more than $50 that is fully transferrable among vehicles, although such passes are currently not offered. All money received from the Discover Pass and day-use permits sales are deposited into a special account and distributed to the agencies on a proportional basis established by the Legislature.
Sales.
The Discover Pass and day-use permits may be made available for purchase directly from the State Parks, the DFW, the Department of Licensing, or other outlets authorized to sell state licenses, permits, or passes. The agencies also may provide Discover Passes or day use permits to vendors for retail sale at the established statutory price.
Exceptions.
The Discover Pass or day use permit is required for a motor vehicle to operate on any recreational site or lands or to park at a recreational area. The Discover Pass or day use permit is not required for nonrecreational uses of agency lands if the use is consistent with a written authorization from the agency. Each agency must designate short-term parking areas, where applicable, that are exempt from Discover Pass or day use permit requirements.
Certain passes and permits issued by the agencies exempt the user from Discover Pass and day use permits, including: the Vehicle Access Pass issued by the DFW to persons who purchase certain hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing permits; camper registrations; the Annual Natural Investment Permit issued by the State Parks; and a Sno-Park seasonal permit issued by the State Parks for access to designated parks during the wintertime.
Summary of Bill:
Discover Pass - Exception.
The Discover Pass or day use permit is not required for motor vehicles operating on a road managed by the agencies, including a forest or land management road, if the road is not blocked by a gate. This exception does not apply to the operation of a motor vehicle beyond the staffed entrance to a state park.
Discover Pass - Discount Sales.
The agencies are authorized to sell Discover Passes or day use permits at a discounted rate below the price established by statute for purposes of:
bulk sales to retailers;
agency license and permit product bundling; and
partnership opportunities to promote the accessibility and visibility of the Discover Pass and recreational opportunities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.