The bill aims to update the costs associated with the discover pass and day-use permits for accessing state-owned public lands in Washington. The discover pass fee will increase from $30 to $45, while the day-use permit fee will rise from $10 to $15. These adjustments are intended to reflect inflation and the rising costs of maintaining recreational access since the fees have not changed since their implementation in 2011. Additionally, the bill mandates that the office of financial management will review these fees every four years to ensure they remain aligned with inflationary trends.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for volunteers who contribute 24 hours of service on agency-sanctioned projects to receive a complimentary discover pass. This pass can be redeemed using vouchers that document their volunteer hours. Married couples can combine their volunteer hours to qualify for a single complimentary pass. The legislation emphasizes the importance of maintaining recreational access for all residents and visitors while ensuring that the funding generated from these fees adequately supports state recreational programs.
Statutes affected: Original Bill: 79A.80.020, 79A.80.030