Peninsula Daily News news sources
OLYMPIA — The state Legislature has approved a bill allowing one Discover Pass to be shared between two vehicles.
House Bill 2373 passed the House on Wednesday by a vote of 60-37, with most Republicans voting in opposition.
Having earlier cleared the Senate, it goes next to Gov. Chris Gregoire for her signature.
The Discover Pass is a $30 annual state parks parking pass created by the Legislature last year to raise funds to keep parks open.
Reps. Kevin Van De Wege and Steve Tharinger, both Democrats from Sequim, co-sponsored the House bill.
“The issue of transferability was the top complaint from the public, and we take care of that with this bill,” Van De Wege said.
Said Tharinger: “With these changes, we’ve hopefully avoided further cuts and created more stability in our parks funding.”
Bill supporters said allowing two cars per pass will make it more affordable and may encourage more people to buy it.
Opponents objected to a provision in the bill expanding an optional $5 vehicle-registration fee to mopeds, off-road vehicles, buses and trucks, saying the fee’s opt-out nature may fool people into contributing the money against their wishes.
