HB 2626 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

     Finds that the lack of funds to maintain and repair these recreation sites may result in the closure of some of these sites to the public at a time when the demand for outdoor recreation areas continues to increase.

     Declares an intent to create an evergreen recreation pass that will be available to serve as a renewable annual recreation pass for state-owned recreation sites in lieu of day-use fees, that this recreation pass will be widely available, and that purchase of this pass is optional for members of the general public.

     Provides that revenues obtained from sales of the evergreen recreation pass will be distributed to the agencies participating in the evergreen recreation pass program in accordance with a formula developed by the office of financial management.  The department of licensing will also be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred for promoting and selling the evergreen recreation passes.  In developing the distribution formula, the office of financial management must consider the information derived from purchasers of the pass regarding use of the pass.

     Requires at least seventy-five percent of the funds collected from sales of the evergreen recreation pass to be used for maintenance, repair, and equipment for these recreation sites.  No more than twenty-five percent of the funds collected from sales of the pass may be used for the costs of collecting the fee.