Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 1692

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning NOVA program account grant funding.

Sponsors: Representatives Kristiansen, Pearson, Kretz, Hinkle and Condotta.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Prohibits the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation from awarding grants from Fuel Tax refunds for off-road-vehicles, non-motorized, or non-highway road recreation facilities to federal public land management agencies that do not have a management plan designating areas where off-road vehicle use is allowed.

Hearing Date: 2/7/07

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

One percent of all motor vehicle fuel tax revenues are refunded by the State Treasurer and transferred to the General Fund. Of the refunded gas taxes,. 41.5 percent are shared by the Department of Natural Resources, the State Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife for facilities that can be used for non-motorized recreation and off-road vehicles (ORVs) [RCW 46.09.170].

The remaining 58.5 percent of the refunded gas tax is provided to the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC). The IAC uses this funding for ORV recreational facilities, non-motorized recreational facilities, and non-highway road facilities [RCW 46.09.170].

The IAC is authorized to use the money it receives from the refund for grants to state agencies, counties and cities, federal agencies, Indian tribes, and non-profit ORV organizations [RCW 46.09.240]. The IAC maintains a statewide plan which is used by all agencies receiving grants from the IAC to guide distribution and expenditure of the funding [RCW 46.09.250].

Summary of Bill:

The IAC is prohibited from awarding grants from Fuel Tax refunds for ORV, non-motorized, or non-highway road recreation facilities to federal public land management agencies that do not have a management plan designating areas where ORV use is allowed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.