FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1464

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.

Sponsors: House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Blake, Orcutt, Chapman and Tarleton; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife).

Background:

Landowners and certain other persons who allow members of the public to use their land or water areas for the purposes of outdoor recreation without charging a fee are not liable for unintentional injuries to users of their land or water areas, with certain exceptions.

For the purposes of this immunity, "fee" does not include: (a) a license or permit issued for statewide use under the Parks and Recreation Commission laws or Fish and Wildlife laws; (b) a pass or permit, such as a Discover Pass, day-use permit, or vehicle access pass; and (c) a daily charge not to exceed $20 per person, per day, for access to a publicly owned off-road vehicle sports park or other public facility accessed by road or highway for off-road vehicle use.

Summary:

Payments to landowners from state, local, or nonprofit organizations established under cooperative public access agreements with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are not considered "fees" for the purpose of recreational immunity as long as the landowner does not charge for access to the land subject to the cooperative agreement.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	89	7
Senate	48	0	(Senate amended)
House	94	4	(House concurred)