SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6555

BYSenators Wojahn, Metcalf, Rasmussen and Johnson

Amending provisions regarding senior citizen state park passes.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6555 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Barr, Benitz, Kreidler, Owen, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

                  February 4, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 4, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission administers a senior citizen park pass program which entitles eligible persons to free admission to any state park and reduced rates for campsite rental.  To be eligible a person must be at least 62 years of age, meet a reasonable residency requirement set by the Commission, and have an income when combined with a spouse's that does not exceed the amount which would qualify the person for a property tax exemption.  Unless renewed, each senior citizen park pass expires on January 1 of the year following its issuance.  For purposes of the financial eligibility requirements, any application for renewal of the pass is to be treated as an original application.

SUMMARY:

A senior citizen's park pass shall be valid so long as the senior citizen meets the residency and financial eligibility requirements of the law.  The requirement of making an application for renewal of the pass is eliminated.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The pass is valid so long as the residency requirement alone is maintained.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Wojahn, prime sponsor (for); Cleve Pinnix, State Parks and Recreation Commission