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H 487

PARKS AND RECREATION – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to revise the parks passport program and the parks and recreational activity programs.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025) Introduced by James Petzke

House Bill H 487 simplifies Idaho's outdoor fees into a single $9 charge, boosting access to state parks while generating $19 million annually for recreation programs.

Reported Printed; Filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk
#government #motorvehicles #parksandrecreation
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Bill Summary · H 487

Summary of House Bill H 487: Parks and Recreation

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 487 aims to streamline and revise the existing parks passport program and various outdoor recreation sticker programs in Idaho. The primary goal is to consolidate multiple fees into a single, more manageable fee structure, thereby simplifying access to state parks and recreational activities for residents.

Key Provisions

  • Consolidation of Fees: The bill combines several outdoor recreation sticker programs into a single $9 fee that will be paid during vehicle registration. This includes:

    • Parks Passport
    • Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
    • Snowmobiles
    • Park and Ski programs

  • Removal of Entry Fees: The legislation eliminates the requirement for residents to purchase separate stickers for the aforementioned programs and removes the motor vehicle entry fee for residents accessing state parks.

  • Fiscal Structure: The estimated revenue generated from this new fee structure is projected to be approximately $19 million annually. The distribution of these funds will be as follows:

    • 60% to Parks and Recreation for operational costs
    • 16% to the OHV fund
    • 13.5% to the snowmobile fund
    • 10% to the nonmotorized trails fund
    • 0.5% to the cross-country skiing recreation fund

  • New Programs: The bill also establishes a similar program for non-motorized trails, ensuring that all outdoor recreation programs remain financially viable.

  • Technical Corrections: The bill includes various amendments and repeals to existing Idaho Code sections to ensure clarity and accuracy in the law.

Affected Parties

  • Residents of Idaho: The bill primarily benefits Idaho residents who utilize state parks and recreational activities, as it reduces the financial burden associated with multiple fees.
  • Parks and Recreation Departments: These entities will receive a significant portion of the generated revenue to support their operations and maintenance of recreational facilities.
  • Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts: Individuals involved in activities such as snowmobiling, OHV riding, and non-motorized trail use will find the new fee structure more accessible.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: April 3, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill has been reported printed and filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk.
  • Next Steps: The bill will undergo further legislative review and discussion before potential passage.

Conclusion

House Bill H 487 represents a significant shift in how Idaho manages fees associated with outdoor recreation. By simplifying the fee structure and ensuring that funds are allocated effectively, the bill aims to enhance access to state parks and recreational activities for residents while maintaining the financial integrity of these programs.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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