SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5998

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.

Background: Discover Pass Program Generally. During the 2011 regular session, the Legislature passed 2SSB 5622 which generally requires an annual Discover Pass or day-use permit for access to certain recreation lands managed by the State Parks & Recreation Commission (State Parks), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW).

The legislation also created the DFW Vehicle Access Pass, which is issued along with certain hunting and fishing licenses and allows access to DFW managed lands.

Non-Transferability of the Discover Pass. The 2011 legislation sets the statutory fee for a Discover Pass per motor vehicle and requires that it contain space for the motor vehicle license plate number. In implementing the Discover Pass program, State Parks, DNR, and DFW have interpreted this language as allowing a Discover Pass to be used for a single motor vehicle.

Recreation Sites or Lands. The Discover Pass is generally required for access to any recreation site or lands managed by State Parks, DNR, or DFW. The legislation defines the term recreation site or lands as it relates to DNR managed lands as developed or designated recreation areas, sites, trailheads, and parking areas. DNR has developed criteria for determining those areas where it will require the discover pass. The criteria specifies characteristics that guide its designation decisions, including whether an area has an adopted recreation area plan; developed campgrounds, trails and trailheads, and dispersed recreation activities; or documented trust land management costs.

Summary of Bill: Provides for Discover Pass Transferability Between Two Motor Vehicles. The Discover Pass and DFW Vehicle Access Pass must each contain space for two motor vehicle license plate numbers, and are valid only for those license plate numbers written on the Pass.

Modifies the Definition of Recreation Site or Lands as it Relates to DNR Managed Lands. For DNR managed lands, the term recreation site or lands to which the Discover Pass requirement applies is narrowed to mean developed recreation sites, including campgrounds, trails and trailheads, and the associated parking areas.

Technical changes are made.