SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1017

As of March 16, 2001

Title:  An act relating to fish and wildlife lands vehicle use permits.

Brief Description:  Concerning lands vehicle use permits.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Pennington and Mielke).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines: 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Background:  The WDFW manages over 800,000 acres of wildlife habitat, many of which have improved access areas for parking, and over 600 boating and fishing access sites on Washington=s lakes, rivers, and streams.  These lands are open to the public for such activities as hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation.  Prior to April 1999, a person wishing to use these lands that did not purchase a hunting or fishing license was required to purchase a $10 conservation license.  In 1998 the Legislature eliminated the personally held conservation license, and replaced it with a Vehicle Specific Lands Access Permit (VSLAP).

All persons using one of the WDFW=s 249 approved access facilities, such as a parking area or a boat launch, is required to have a VSLAP displayed on their vehicle.  The permit is issued by the WDFW, and is in the form of a permanently affixed decal.  The decal must then be displayed in the rear window of the user=s vehicle.

Any person purchasing a hunting, fishing, trapping, or combination license is issued one decal at no additional cost.  If a person wishes to access WDFW land without purchasing a hunting, fishing, trapping, or combination license, he or she may purchase a decal from any of the WDFW=s authorized license dealers for the cost of $10.  Decals are not transferable between different vehicles.  Any person who has received a decal with their sporting license, or has purchased a decal individually, may purchase additional decals at a reduced price for each vehicle they can prove to the WDFW they own.  The cost of additional decals is $5 each. 

Failure to display the vehicle lands access permit, or decal, while on WDFW managed lands is punishable by a fine of $66.

Summary of Bill:  The WDFW is required to issue one vehicle lands use permit with the initial purchase of an annual hunting or fishing license.  Additional complimentary permits are not  included with the purchase of subsequent annual licenses.  The permit must be present inside the vehicle before use of a department access area.

The penalty for failure to display a lands use permit is reduced from $66 to $30 after the violator proves to the court that he or she purchased a lands use permit within 15 days of receiving the violation.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.