The bill aims to improve access to state-owned public lands in Washington by adjusting recreation fees, specifically increasing the cost of a discover pass from $30 to $45. It includes a provision for the office of financial management to review and recommend fee adjustments every four years to account for inflation. Additionally, the bill introduces a lifetime disabled veteran pass that offers the same benefits as the discover pass, provided the holder is present in the vehicle. It also maintains complimentary discover passes for volunteers who meet specific service hour requirements.

Moreover, the bill modifies revenue distribution from discover pass and day-use permit sales, raising the minimum allocation from $71 million to $85 million for state agencies involved in recreation and wildlife management. It reduces the penalty for non-compliance with pass display requirements from $99 to $59 if proof of purchase is shown within 15 days. While the bill has been approved with a partial veto, the Governor vetoed Section 6, which proposed a work group to review funding for recreation and park functions, citing concerns about resource diversion and speculative outcomes. The remaining provisions of the bill will take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 79A.80.020, 79A.80.030
Substitute Bill: 79A.80.020, 79A.80.090
Engrossed Substitute: 79A.80.020, 79A.80.090, 79A.80.080, 79A.05.065
Bill as Passed Legislature: 79A.80.020, 79A.80.090, 79A.80.080, 79A.05.065
Session Law: 79A.80.020, 79A.80.090, 79A.80.080, 79A.05.065