HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5504
As Passed House:
March 3, 2022
Title: An act relating to extending current discover pass free days from state parks to all state recreation sites and lands.
Brief Description: Extending current discover pass free days from state parks to all state recreation sites and lands.
Sponsors: Senators Warnick, Van De Wege, Billig, Conway, Das, Lovelett, Mullet, Nguyen, Randall, Salda?a, Wagoner, Wilson, J. and Wilson, L.; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Community & Economic Development: 2/16/22, 2/18/22 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/3/22, 97-0.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Parks and Recreation Commission to designate up to 12 days per year where access to recreation sites or lands is free. 
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 12 members:Representatives Ryu, Chair; Paul, Vice Chair; Boehnke, Ranking Minority Member; Chase, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Donaghy, Frame, Jacobsen, Johnson, J., Kraft, Rule, Sutherland and Taylor.
Staff: Cassie Jones (786-7303).
Background:

The Discover Pass is an annual pass that allows a vehicle to access state recreation sites or lands owned by the Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW).  The cost of a Discover Pass is $30.  A person may also purchase a day-use permit, valid for one calendar day, for $10.  Recreation sites or lands includes state parks, state forestlands, natural resource conservation areas, natural area preserves, and fish and wildlife conservation sites.

 

The Commission is required to provide up to 12 days a year where entry to state parks is free.  At least three days of those days must be on weekends.  When practicable, the free access days should be timed to correspond with any similar free access days planned by the National Park Service for national parks located in the general region of high-volume state parks. 
Summary of Bill:

The Commission must consult with the Director of DFW and the Commissioner of Public Lands to designate up to 12 days per year where entry to recreation sites or lands is free.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill will help relieve the confusion about Discover Passes and what days are the free days.  Right now, free days only apply to state parks and this bill will expand free days to the DFW and DNR properties.  It should be made easier, not harder, to access public lands.  This bill formalizes the collaborative work that occurs among state agencies responsible for managing public lands.  The DNR and the DFW have traditionally honored state parks free days.  Extending free days to all public lands will provide more equitable access and make it easier and less confusing for all users of public lands. 

 

(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Judy Warnick, prime sponsor; Brian Considine, Department of Natural Resources; and Samantha Montgomery, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.