READ FIRST TIME 03/04/05.   

     AN ACT Relating to park rangers employed by the state parks and recreation commission; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that law enforcement functions at state parks and lands are insufficient to adequately protect the public and our natural resources. Threats to the safety of the visiting public and public lands are not necessarily confined to the boundaries of state parks and lands. State law does not expressly grant or deny park rangers the authority to engage in law enforcement activities outside of park and land boundaries. Further, the legislature finds that, in many areas of the state, other state or local law enforcement officers are either too far away or understaffed to provide adequate support to on-site law enforcement professionals in emergency situations. The legislature finds that a comprehensive review of the role and responsibilities of law enforcement professionals within and around state parks and lands is necessary to ensure the value of state parks and natural resources is not diminished.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The task force on state public recreational lands and public safety is created. The task force shall be comprised of twelve members appointed as follows:
     (a) Two members of the house of representatives, one from each major caucus, to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
     (b) Two members of the senate, one from each major caucus, to be appointed by the president of the senate;
     (c) The commissioner of public lands or his or her designee;
     (d) The chair of the Washington state parks and recreation commission or his or her designee;
     (e) The chair of the Washington fish and wildlife commission or his or her designee;
     (f) Five members, to be appointed jointly by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate, from nominations submitted by the following organizations:
     (i) One representative of the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs;
     (ii) One representative of the Washington state council of police and sheriffs;
     (iii) One representative of the Washington association of prosecuting attorneys;
     (iv) One representative park ranger who is an active member of the recognized employee bargaining unit and who is employed by the Washington state parks and recreation commission; and
     (v) One recognized employee representative of enforcement officers with the department of natural resources.
     (2) The task force members shall elect a chair and determine its operating procedures. The task force shall be jointly staffed by the office of program research and senate committee services as determined by their respective staff directors.
     (a) Legislative members of the task force shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 44.04.120. Nonlegislative members, except those representing an employer or organization, are entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
     (b) The compensable travel expenses as provided in (a) of this subsection shall be paid jointly by the senate and the house of representatives.
     (3) This section expires January 1, 2006.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The task force shall conduct a comprehensive review of law enforcement issues in and around state parks and lands, including but not limited to:
     (1) The extent to which illegal activity in and around state parks and lands threatens public safety and natural resources; and
     (2) The ability of the current state and local law enforcement to respond to illegal activity on or near public recreational lands.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   By December 15, 2005, the task force shall provide a final report of its recommendations, including any draft legislation to implement the recommendations. The report shall be submitted to the chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate.