Bills To Watch In Olympia

[Grumpy]

The following bills were prefiled in December and now with the 61st Legislature convening on January 11th (60 day - short session) - the bills are now being considered by the respective committees and will directly affected motorized recreation.

House Bill 2480 - Adopts certain policy recommendations developed by the Sustainable Recreation Work Group -
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summ...2408&year=2009

Senate Bill 6237 - (Companion Bill HB 2480)
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summ...6237&year=2009

House Bill 2617 - Eliminating certain boards and commissions - page 148-150 - addresses the Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities Advisory Committee.
(RCW 46.09.280)
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summ...2617&year=2009

Senate Bill 6274 - Establish a work group to make recommendations to improve trail interactions in Washington State; recommendations due by December 2010; under the direction of the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) - formally the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC).
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summ...6274&year=2009

These bills were placed within the specific committees more than likely amendements will now appear and may change the total appearance/language of the original bill - we will be monitoring any and all bills that may affect motorized recreation through this short session of the legislature. ###


* From PNW4WDA Forum*

[Grumpy]

Additional listing:

SB 5761
Creating a recreation pass for use on lands owned by the department of natural resources.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summ...5761&year=2009

SB 5545
Authorizing a local sales and use tax for parks and recreation, trails, and open space allocation.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summ...5545&year=2009

SB 5422
Limiting liability for making certain land and water areas available for recreational use under a hydroelectric license.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summ...5422&year=2009

SB 5069
Regarding recreational liability on public and private lands.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summ...5069&year=2009

HB 2101
Increasing distributions of off-road vehicle moneys.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summ...2101&year=2009

[Grumpy]

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6274
As of January 14, 2010
Title: An act relating to establishing a work group to make recommendations to improve trail
interactions in Washington state.
Brief Description: Establishing the Washington state trail interactions work group.
Sponsors: Senator Jacobsen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/14/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: According to a 2008 study from the Recreation and Conservation Office
(RCO), Defining and Measuring Success: The Role of State Government in Outdoor
Recreation, Washington State manages almost 650,000 acres for outdoor recreation, habitat,
or environmental protection. The state also manages approximately 3 million acres for
resource production, which are often available for public recreation. The federal government
owns approximately 9.1 million acres and local governments own approximately 237,000
acres for recreation habitat, or environmental protection. Additionally, private landowners,
ranging from residences to timberland, also provide a significant but unknown number of
acres available for recreation.
The 2008 study also surveyed Washington residents concerning their participation in
recreation activities, including participation in trail based recreation. According to the study,
approximately: 20 percent of residents participate in hiking; 13 percent drive off-road
vehicles for recreation, with about 7 percent using rural trails; about 4 percent participate in
equestrian activities; and about about 32 percent ride bicycles, with about 4 percent riding on
forest or mountain trails.
Summary of Bill: The Washington State Trail Interactions Work Group (work group) is
established. The work group consists of appropriate and balanced representation from nonmotorized
recreational users, motorized recreational users, and public, private, and tribal
landowners. The RCO must appoint members as well as staff to the work group.
––––––––––––––––––––––
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.
Senate Bill Report - 1 - SB 6274
The work group must examine trail interactions in Washington State and make
recommendations regarding trail access, the accessibility of online information, signage, trail
enjoyment, and safety. To ensure that the public has the opportunity to provide input, the
work group must hold meetings at diverse locations throughout the state. A report to the
Legislature containing the work group's recommendations is due December 1, 2010, and the
work group expires June 30, 2011.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 7, 2010.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The work group provides an opportunity to
expand on recent work between diverse recreational interests, particularly with regards to
trails issues.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Jonathan Guzzo, Washington Trails Association.

***********************************************************

Is it me, or does somethin seem to be missing under testimony? Where's the wheelers?

[Grumpy]

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5761
As of February 12, 2009
Title: An act relating to recreation on lands owned by the department of natural resources.
Brief Description: Creating a recreation pass for use on lands owned by the department of
natural resources.
Sponsors: Senator Jacobsen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/12/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION
Staff: Sherry McNamara (786-7402)
Background: The public has access to 2.2 million acres of forested state trust lands
managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a variety of recreational
opportunities. These DNR state trust lands provide 13,000 miles of forest roads, 1,100 miles
of trails and 143 recreation sites which include campgrounds, day-use facilities, boat
launches, and picnic areas.
Last session, the Legislature directed DNR to create the Sustainable Recreation Work Group
(Work Group) to examine current laws and policies regarding recreation, and make
recommendations on policy changes and opportunities to develop sustainable funding
sources. The preliminary findings of the Work Group were that recreation on DNR-managed
lands is not funded at an adequate nor sustainable level.
Summary of Bill: A recreation pass is created to be valid at any DNR recreation site. The
cost of the pass may not exceed $15. A person must purchase and display a recreation pass
for access to DNR recreation sites. DNR may exempt youth groups, nonprofits, and others
from the recreation pass requirements.
The recreation pass must be displayed prior to entering or using the motor vehicle on a DNR
recreation site. Failure to display the recreation pass is an infraction, with a penalty of $66.
The penalty may be reduced to $30 if the owner of the vehicle purchases a recreation pass
within 15 days of the issuance of the violation.
––––––––––––––––––––––
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.
Senate Bill Report - 1 - SB 5761
The DNR Recreation Pass Account is created in the custody of the State Treasurer. DNR
must use at least 75 percent of the funds for maintenance, repair, and equipment for DNR's
recreation sites. No more than 25 percent of the funds may be used for the costs of collecting
the fee.
DNR must provide a 50 percent discount in the annual rent for any lease of state-owned
aquatic lands for a water-dependent use that qualifies for a youth recreation aquatic lands
lease rate. To be eligible for a youth recreation aquatic lands lease rate, an organization
must:
��
��
be exempt from federal income tax under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3); and
certify that the primary use of the aquatic lands is boating and maritime recreation
and instruction for youth.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: CON: DNR has 143 recreation sites that are mapped
and maintained; however, the recreational use on our trails and roads is growing. The bill
needs clarity in defining the terms "designated sites" and "motor vehicles." DNR is always
open to opportunities and new ways of funding recreation activities on state land. The
amount of revenue generated by the recreational pass may not be enough to cover the costs of
administering the program. Under current law, landowners don't have liability if they don't
charge a fee, so the bill needs to include liability protection for DNR. DNR has concerns
with the youth aquatic discount portion of the bill. Currently, DNR provides free rent from
piers if there is free access for the public. The 50 percent discount might set a precedent that
could be expanded and have a negative impact. Sno parks should be exempted from this
legislation to allow parking at these sites during winter months. It is important to treat all
recreational users equitably, so any fee should be applied fairly.
Persons Testifying: CON: John Eaton, Washington Off Highway Vehicle Alliance; Daniel
Fallstrom, Washington Snowmobile Association; Andy Tudhope, citizen; Bonnie Bunning,
DNR.

[Grumpy]

SB5761 - SB 5069 & HB 2101 have had no activity since they were re-introduced on January 11th by the respectrive sponsors.

SB 5545 is not 4x4 related - it addresses local sales tax and use tax for metropolitan/urban parks.

SB 5422 is not 4x4 related - it addresses marine use recreation and the need for hydroelectric licenses. ###

[Grumpy]

HB 2617 contained seventy-eight (78) specific statutory boards, commissions, committees or councils to be eliminated - a request by Governor Gregoire.

On January 26th (State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee) a Substitute Bill to HB 2617 was introduced which removed thirty-one (31) from further consideration of elimination - Non Highway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities Advisory Board (NOVA) was one of the thirty-one; the NOVA advisory board will remain in tact and "without any further surprises" - the substitute bill will take effect June 30, 2010. ###

Arlene Brooks, WA State Director (pnw4wda - c)


YEEHAAWWWW!!!!..Dave

[Grumpy]

There were two amendments adopted on Feb. 15th - regarding HB 2480 - "Adopting policy recommendations developed by the Sustainable Recreation Work Group."

Representative Blake's amendment: - Allows a person to access Department of Natural Resources recreational lands without paying a use charge if he or she has a Department of Fish and Wildlife lands vehicle use permit and allows a person to access Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) lands without a lands access permit if he or she has a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) annual parking access pass.

Representative Warnick's amendment: - Recognizes that a portion of the motor vehicle fuel tax paid by off-road vehicle users supports the Department of Natural Resources and exempts off-road vehicle recreation facilities from having to pay a use charge.

Under the engrossed second substitute bill (HB 2480 E 2S ) there is no requirement for WDFW and DNR to explore developing a multiagency pass. Instead, the bill would allow users to purchase either a vehicle use pass from WDFW (currently $10 per year) or an annual parking and access pass from DNR (the bill sets the fee at $20 per year) to access both WDFW and DNR lands.

The goal posts change from day to day - will keep you posted on the latest when the information arrives. ###

Arlene Brooks, Washington State Director

[Grumpy]

Just received information (March 12th) from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With the Governor calling for a special legislative session - DNR is going to take one more try at HB 2480; they stated, they felt strongly about pursuing the legislation - "we owe the trail based recreational users one last attempt."

Those who would like to contact their Senators:

Ken Jacobsen (chairman) - jacobson.ken@leg.wa.gov
Bob Morton - morton.bob@leg.wa.gov
Jim Hargrove - hargrove.jim@leg.wa.gov
Kevin Ranker - ranker.kevin@leg.wa.gov
Val Stevens - stevens.val@leg.wa.gov
Dan Swecker - swecker.dan@leg.wa.gov
Brain Hatfield - hatfiels.brain@leg.wa.gov
Karen Fraser - fraser.karen@leg.wa.gov

Arlene Brooks, WA State Director (pnw4wda -c)

[iaccocca]

Arlene Brooks, WA State Director (pnw4wda -c)

Not to hijack here, but what is the '-c' at the end of Arlene's sig stand for?

[Grumpy]

I think she's trying to indicate copyright on the "pnw4wda" thing...