Keep watch on All DISCOVER PASS bills

[fireweed]

Legislature is back in session so time to keep a close eye on all the Discover Pass bills.  Here's what's currenty "out there". HB is House Bill, SB is Senate, and they are together on the list if companion bills.

HB2153/SB5977: makes Discover pass transferrable between two vehicles.

HB2217: eliminates fees making the final cost of a DP $30 per year or $10 per day, AND allows transferrability between multiple vehicles at same address.

SB5979:Requires the DNR to distribute 70% of DP funds to trust beneficiaries (vs. all going back to recreation).

SB5985: Makes DP transferrable between two vehicles

SB5998: transferrable between two vehicles and limits use to developed sites on DNR land

SB5986/HB2187: Requires the vehicle access pass that comes with hunting/fishing licenses good on both WDFW and DNR land

HB2161: free DP to lifetime disabled veterans

[fireweed]

My 

I like SB5998.  It fixes the transferrability problem (which is the only sure thing to pass somehow) and Limits a Discover Pass on DNR land to real, honest-to-goodness DEVELOPED sites.  Now the DNR requires the pass everywhere they decide--whether there are facilities or not.  This bill needs more sponsors!

What about SB5986/HB2187 which allows the vehicle use permit that comes with the purchase of hunting/fishing licenses to be used on DNR land?  This is a good second choice, but I'm concerned that tribes would be completely exempt from contributing, since they cannot be charged a fee to hunt.  Also, I see no problem if folks using truly developed DNR campgrounds, etc. pay more and need a real DP.

Bill SB5979 looks like it defeats the whole purpose of a discover pass, and transfers most of the money from DNR recreation back to trusts (schools, prisons etc.) that get the current revenue from DNR activities.

[buckfvr]

My 

I like SB5998.  It fixes the transferrability problem (which is the only sure thing to pass somehow) and Limits a Discover Pass on DNR land to real, honest-to-goodness DEVELOPED sites. Now the DNR requires the pass everywhere they decide--whether there are facilities or not.  This bill needs more sponsors!

What about SB5986/HB2187 which allows the vehicle use permit that comes with the purchase of hunting/fishing licenses to be used on DNR land?  This is a good second choice, but I'm concerned that tribes would be completely exempt from contributing, since they cannot be charged a fee to hunt.  Also, I see no problem if folks using truly developed DNR campgrounds, etc. pay more and need a real DP.

Bill SB5979 looks like it defeats the whole purpose of a discover pass, and transfers most of the money from DNR recreation back to trusts (schools, prisons etc.) that get the current revenue from DNR activities.

Its not a requirement of DNR....its not their idea.........put blame where its deserved.  Its a product of the State money grabbers, if it was DNR, do you think they would be sharing.  The percentage of the split DNR gets is small by comparison.

[Elkaholic daWg]

My 


What about SB5986/HB2187 which allows the vehicle use permit that comes with the purchase of hunting/fishing licenses to be used on DNR land?  This is a good second choice, but I'm concerned that tribes would be completely exempt from contributing, since they cannot be charged a fee to hunt.

 I believe they already are exempt/ask tex

[washelkhunter]

Is there a bill out there with an exemption for hunters who purchase a hunting license? Im not going to pay another 30 bucks to hunt on state land after buying a wash state license to hunt the states wildlife.

[Elkaholic daWg]

Is there a bill out there with an exemption for hunters who purchase a hunting license? Im not going to pay another 30 bucks to hunt on state land after buying a wash state license to hunt the states wildlife.

SB5986/HB2187: Requires the vehicle access pass that comes with hunting/fishing licenses good on both WDFW and DNR land

[washelkhunter]

Well i emailed all my reps and my senator in support; i hope it helps. 

[fireweed]

Only a couple bills are still alive.
Second Substitute HB 2737 BROADENS where the Discover Pass is needed on DNR land, changing the definition from "developed and designated" to basically all land and forest lands.   
As the current definition might not hold up in court (see what recently happened to the Forest Service) The new definition would basically make it ok for the DNR to do what they are currently doing, make the DP an entry fee. 

[Elkaholic daWg]

Only a couple bills are still alive.
Second Substitute HB 2737 BROADENS where the Discover Pass is needed on DNR land, changing the definition from "developed and designated" to basically all land and forest lands.   
As the current definition might not hold up in court (see what recently happened to the Forest Service) The new definition would basically make it ok for the DNR to do what they are currently doing, make the DP an entry fee.

 Wrong bill number


 Sponsored by Democrats...don't expect much help!
 
is it 2373?
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billsbytopic/Results.aspx?year=2011&subject=PUBLIC%20LANDS


 looks like they are going to give hunters a 50% price break when we buy license

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/2295.pdf


HB 2737 - 2011-12
   (What is this?)

Concerning nursing homes medicaid reimbursement and settlement process.

[bobcat]

Only a couple bills are still alive.
Second Substitute HB 2737 BROADENS where the Discover Pass is needed on DNR land, changing the definition from "developed and designated" to basically all land and forest lands.   
As the current definition might not hold up in court (see what recently happened to the Forest Service) The new definition would basically make it ok for the DNR to do what they are currently doing, make the DP an entry fee.

If they want to do it that way, more of the funds should go to DNR. And, they should enforce it, so that the only people on DNR lands have the pass. It may actually be worth buying if they could keep the riff raff out.

[bigtex]

As the current definition might not hold up in court (see what recently happened to the Forest Service) The new definition would basically make it ok for the DNR to do what they are currently doing, make the DP an entry fee.

There has been a lot of bad info floating around regarding the recent court case regarding USFS passes and state passes.

The court case has NO impact on state or non-federal passes. All the court found is that the USFS in California was violating a part of the federal law outlining the requirements for federal agencies to charge people access to their agency lands. This federal law which outlines what things are required in order for the agency to requirement payment DOES NOT affect state or other non-federal lands.

So if you think this court decision was a "win" for trying to oust the Discover Pass you are wrong. All it did was say the USFS was charging fees in areas they shouldn't be, and that by doing so they were violating the federal fee laws. Once again, this federal fee law does not apply to non-federal lands.

[Knocker of rocks]

All the court found is that the USFS in California was violating a part of the federal law outlining the requirements for federal agencies to charge people access to their agency lands

FYI Tex,  you've made this mistake several times now.  The Federal case was in Arizona

[bigtex]

All the court found is that the USFS in California was violating a part of the federal law outlining the requirements for federal agencies to charge people access to their agency lands

FYI Tex,  you've made this mistake several times now.  The Federal case was in Arizona

Sorry your correct. I keep thinking the Adventure Pass is only in Cali.

Either way though, the case has no effect on state passes, only federal....

[Sumpnneedskillin]

If you own a camper/trailer or RV 2373 bends you over.

You have to pay $10 for a "state parks support fee" until 2015 and $3 for a "recreation vehicle sanitary disposal fee"  The $3 goes to the RV account which pays for construction and maintenance of sanitary dump stations at rest stops.  The $10 goes to to state parks for operation and maintenance of state parks that provide access and overnight accommodations for RVs.

Also the way I read it you still get a free permit for WDFW lands with your license.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/2373-S2.pdf

[Lcl 66 Tinner]

Do you need a pass if the land is not posted with the signs? Bobcat was saying he thought it had to be posted. I looked though the "bill" and didnt see it anywhere.

[bigtex]

Do you need a pass if the land is not posted with the signs? Bobcat was saying he thought it had to be posted. I looked though the "bill" and didnt see it anywhere.

Areas must be signed at access points and parking areas.

[Lcl 66 Tinner]

Thank you TEX, can you show me where that is at?

[bear hunter]

I wish they gave out stickers,because I some times drive my motorcycle. I sure don't want to leave a 35.00 dollor permit on the handle bars for some A hole to take.

[fireweed]

Your are right its 2373 and it's a done deal except for the Gov. 
It expands the Discover Pass to ALL DNR LAND.  The 50% discount for hunters was one of the first things to go! It adds fees for RV's. 

Brief Summary of Engrossed Second Substitute Bill that passed is belowŸ

Includes all land and land types managed by the Washington State
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), other than aquatic lands, for which
a Discover Pass or day-use permit is required.

Exempts possessor of a daily Sno-Park permit from requiring a Discover Pass
or day-use permit at designated Sno-Parks.

Modifies the validity of the Discover Pass to begin when the pass has been
marked for activation.

Allows for the single purchase of a Discover Pass or Vehicle Access Pass to
be valid for two license plate numbers.

Limits any transaction and dealer fee that causes the price of the Discover
Pass or day-use permit to exceed the price in statute to be assessed only for
those purchased through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's
(WDFW) automated licensing system.

Allows for the Discover Pass and day-use permit to be obtained by retailers.
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House Bill Report - 1 - E2SHB 2373
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Expands the options of where a Discover Pass and day-use permit can be
purchased and authorizes the Washington State Parks and Recreation
Commission (State Parks) to utilize unstaffed collection stations.

Redistributes local sales and use tax revenues assessed at the State Parks from
local jurisdictions to a dedicated account within the State Parks.

Provides a complimentary Discover Pass to eligible disabled Washington
veterans.

Requires free access days at state parks and suggests they be timed with
National Park Service free days.

Codifies that the DNR, the WDFW, and the State Parks must designate free
15-minute short-term parking.

Adds exemptions for certain circumstances from requiring the Discover Pass
or day-use permit.

Adds to the types of vehicles for which the owners are given the opportunity
to donate to state parks upon vehicle registration.

Creates a $10 state parks support fee on recreational vehicle registrations until
July 1, 2015, for deposit into the Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account,
with funds directed towards the operation and maintenance at the State Parks
that accommodate recreational vehicles.

Creates an up to $50 Family Discover Pass that is transferable among any
vehicle.

Allows tsunami cleanup to count as volunteer hours towards a free Discover
Pass.

Requires the agencies to develop proposals for finding consistent state
recreational policies where inconsistencies exist and to report findings to the Legislature.

[BOWHUNTER45]

They give us access to all state lands with a place to park within reasonable distances to where you want to go then I will buy one ..I have not bought one and I never plan on buying unless they pull their heads out of their butts and stop taking OUR FREEDOM AWAY ! Think about it ...we already pay taxes and now they want you to pay for the land you and I and all the other Americans own ... Man we best start defending what the the god lord gave us all ... they do not own the land , we all do !