Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Environment Committee

HB 1346

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:

The Washington Parks and Recreation Commission manages recreation at over 125 state parks. The Parks and Recreation Commission also plays a management or coordination with other recreational sites such as underwater parks, water trails, and the Seashore, Green River, Mount Si, and Yakima River conservation areas.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission manages hunting in the state. Specifically, the Fish and Wildlife Commission has the authority to determine the time and place where hunting may lawfully occur and the manner of hunting that is allowed.

The Parks and Recreation Commission is authorized to coordinate the recreational functions of the various state agencies; however, hunting is specifically prohibited in any state park. It is a criminal misdemeanor to kill, or pursue with the intent to kill, any bird or other animal in a state park except for permitted research purposes. Except for land located in the Seashore Conservation Area, where hunting is recognized as a broad management principle, the Parks and Recreation Commission does not have the discretion to allow hunting on any land it manages or oversees.

Summary of Bill:

The Parks and Recreation Commission is provided with the authority to expressly allow hunting in specific state parks or in specific portions of state parks. All hunting in state parks must be conducted consistent with the hunting regulations adopted by the Fish and Wildlife Commission.