SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5151

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Wojahn, Rasmussen, Metcalf, Bauer, Vognild, Warnke and Moore)

Extending senior citizen state park passes.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1989; February 8, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5151 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Barry Brandon (786-7717)

                  April 7, 1989

House Committe on Natural Resources & Parks

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 24, 1989

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 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 park pass shall be valid so long as the senior citizen meets the residency requirements.  An application for renewal of the pass is no longer required.  Any senior citizen qualifying for a park pass may make a voluntary donation for the upkeep and maintenance of state parks.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Wojahn, sponsor (pro); Jan Tveten, State Parks and Recreation Commission, (pro)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

A senior citizen park pass holder must surrender the pass to a commission employee, upon request, when the employee has reason to believe the holder does not meet statutory eligibility requirements.  The pass will be returned when the holder provides satisfactory proof to the commission director that the holder meets the eligibility requirements.