Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Environment Committee |
SB 5137
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: Providing a complimentary discover pass to veterans with a one hundred percent service-connected disability.
Sponsors: Senators Hatfield, Pearson, Hobbs, Chase, Conway, Roach, McAuliffe, O'Ban and Mullet.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 3/17/15
Staff: Jacob Lipson (786-7196).
Background:
A Discover Pass or day-use permit must be displayed when operating or parking a motor vehicle in recreation areas on state lands managed by the State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). A Discover Pass costs $30 per year, while a day-use permit costs $10 per day. Monetary penalties may be assessed for failure to comply with the Discover Pass and day-use permit requirements. Certain DFW lands may be accessed with a vehicle access pass that is issued in conjunction with certain hunting and recreational fishing licenses.
Washington residents that are disabled veterans with a service-connected disability of at least thirty percent are eligible for a lifetime pass entitling the person to free admission to any state park, an exemption from reservation fees, and free use of state park campsites. State law also entitles disabled Washington residents to free admission to state parks, as well as a 50 percent reduction in state park campsite rental fees.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines certain compensation rates for veterans based on their level of disability, as determined by evidence contained in the veteran's military record and from evidence submitted by the veteran to the VA. The VA rates disabilities in increments of 10 percent from 0 percent to 100 percent. Veterans with multiple partial disabilities receive a combined disability rating; a combined disability rating of between 95 percent and 99 percent is rounded to a determination of 100 percent disability.
Summary of Bill:
State residents that are disabled veterans with a service-connected disability of 100 percent may receive one complimentary Discover Pass per year, upon request.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.