House OKs $5 car tab fee to help parks
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - The House has passed a measure to add a $5 "opt out" fee to annual vehicle registrations to help keep Washington state parks open.
The measure passed Monday night on a 56-42 vote and now goes to the Senate.
Majority Democrats say it would not be a new tax, because car owners could check a box on their tab forms to opt out of the fee. Lawmakers hope the state could bring in more than $20 million for parks.
The state Parks Commission has said it may have to temporarily close or transfer dozens of parks because of budget cuts.
Republicans argue that requiring people to opt out is deceptive.
State residents currently can make a $5 donation to support parks by checking an opt-in box on their vehicle license forms.
---
The park fee bill is House Bill 2339.
The measure passed Monday night on a 56-42 vote and now goes to the Senate.
Majority Democrats say it would not be a new tax, because car owners could check a box on their tab forms to opt out of the fee. Lawmakers hope the state could bring in more than $20 million for parks.
The state Parks Commission has said it may have to temporarily close or transfer dozens of parks because of budget cuts.
Republicans argue that requiring people to opt out is deceptive.
State residents currently can make a $5 donation to support parks by checking an opt-in box on their vehicle license forms.
---
The park fee bill is House Bill 2339.