SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6333

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Parks, Fish & Wildlife, February 3, 2004

Title: An act relating to metal detectors in state parks.

Brief Description: Opening state parks to the recreational use of metal detectors.

Sponsors: Senators Morton, T. Sheldon and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 2/2/04, 2/3/04 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6333 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Oke, Chair; Sheahan, Vice Chair; Doumit, Jacobsen, Morton, Spanel and Swecker.

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: Metal detectors have been used in state parks in a limited manner. The Legislature has asked the Parks and Recreation Commission to open up more park lands to the use of metal detectors.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The intent of the Legislature is that the significant archaeological resources on state park lands should be protected, but the Legislature also recognizes the recreational use of metal detectors in state parks is a legitimate form of recreation which is compatible with the protection of significant historic archaeological resources.

By September 1, 2005, the Parks and Recreation Commission must open all developed and disturbed areas in state parks for recreational use of metal detectors. If the commission determines that a park or a portion of a park must be exempt from the metal detecting, the commission must, by December 1, 2005, submit a brief report to the appropriate standing committees of the Legislature as to how it and a professional archaeologist made this determination.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The areas open to metal detectors are clarified and archaeological resources are more clearly protected.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 29, 2004.

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

Testimony For: Metal detectors do not hurt state parks and are a valid recreational activity.

Testimony Against: The bill needs some technical work to clarify the intent.

Testified: Robert P. Cars Teirsien, FMDAC (pro); Bruce Beatty, Redrock Prospectors (pro); Graham Willmore, citizen (pro); Fred Romero, State Parks (con); Ralph Shape, FMDAC (pro); Greg Christensen, Resources Coalition (pro).