HB1755 - More Discover Pass clarification

PLEASE SUPPORT HB1755

(Companion bill SB5391)


DISCOVER PASS REQUIREMENT LANGUAGE CLARIFIED

In addition to Senate Bill SB5391, we have successfully lobbied to have an
identical House of Representatives version introduced. By working the issue in both chambers of the
Legislature this increases our chances of success before the end of the 2013
legislative session.


The Department of Natural Resources is misapplying the D-pass requirements for dual
registered vehicles and saying that if you have a street plate then you must
have a D-pass too. They are choosing to ignore the law that clearly says that
the D-pass is only required if a street plate is required.

Representative David Hayes has stepped up on the House of Representative side and is the prime
sponsor of this NMA written bill.


Just like SB5391, House Bill HB1755 simply adds “vehicles with a valid offroad
vehicle permit at locations where offroad vehicle activity is allowed” to the
list of exempt vehicles.


See link:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1755&year=2013


As original written, the Discover Pass
legislation enacted in 2011 limited the requirement to motor vehicles required
to be licensed for street use. The
intent was to exempt offroad vehicle where offroad vehicle use is allowed
because access to these areas is funded by the purchase of an offroad vehicle
(ORV) use permit.

To require the purchase of a Discover Pass in
addition to the ORV permit would be charging these vehicle owners twice for the
exact same public land access.

This language seemed to be clear and
understood by the applicable state agencies.
Unfortunately there is confusion when it comes to vehicles that are dual
registered as both street legal motor vehicles and offroad vehicles. Because these dual registered vehicle are not
required to have street license plates while at ORV use areas, they are exempt
from the Discover Pass requirements during that time.


Unfortunately the DNR is misapplying the
requirement and claiming that any vehicle with a street license must have a
Discover Pass regardless of whether or not the street license is required.


We continue in good faith attempted to educate Commissioner Goldmark and his staff concerning this misapplication of the Discover Pass requirement, but have failed to cause him to change his
agency’s erroneous policy.


Hitting that impasse, we are left with no other choice than to seek legislative relief.

HB1755 has been assigned to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on General
Government and if you support it, please let them know.


Their email addresses:

zack.hudgins@leg.wa.gov

kevin.parker@leg.wa.gov

vincent.buys@leg.wa.gov

bruce.chandler@leg.wa.gov

hans.dunshee@leg.wa.gov

sam.hunt@leg.wa.gov

jamie.pedersen@leg.wa.gov

larry.springer@leg.wa.gov

david.taylor@leg.wa.gov


Passing legislation is a multi-step process and your input is valuable at every step of the way.


Happy
trails,

Tod