SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2294

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines, February 28, 2002

Title:  An act relating to recreation sites owned by the department of natural resources.

Brief Description:  Allowing the department of natural resources to seek volunteers to maintain recreation sites.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Hatfield, Doumit, Kessler, Eickmeyer, Lantz, Rockefeller, Wood, Mielke, Boldt, Benson, Edwards, Upthegrove and Dunn).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines:  2/27/02, 2/28/02 [DP‑WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Morton, Oke, Snyder, Spanel and Stevens.

Staff:  Kari Guy (786‑7437)

Background:  The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) owns a number of recreation sites, and some of these sites are at risk of closing due to insufficient funds.  The Adopt‑a‑Highway Program utilized by the Department of Transportation has been successful in attracting volunteers and a similar program for the DNR recreation sites may allow some of these sites to remain open.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Natural Resources must expand its volunteer program to allow for volunteer maintenance of recreation sites.  The department must develop standardized application forms and contracts for all participating groups.  The department must develop guidelines for the minimum age of participants, appropriate safety training, and other items necessary to implement the program. 

A volunteer or business group interested in participating in the recreation site program must submit a proposal to the department.  The department may accept, reject, or modify the proposal.  A volunteer participating in the program is considered a state employee for the purpose of receiving medical aid benefits.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  This bill will help keep Department of Natural Resources recreation lands open to the public.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Sharon Foster, YMCAs of WA, Council of Youth Agencies (pro).