Want A Free Discover Pass? Inslee Signs Law That Makes It Easier

SEATTLE, WA - Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday signed a law that helps residents earn free admission to state parks in a new way. The new law allows married couples to combine volunteer hours to get a free Discover Pass. Under existing laws, only individuals could work the 24 volunteer hours required to qualify for a free Discover Pass.

The Discover Pass is Washington state's state parks pass, and is required for entry to all state parks. The passes are available in daily or annual versions.

Under existing law, a person who volunteered for 24 hours with projects sanctioned by the state Department of Natural Resources could submit a voucher to the state and get a free pass. Now, for example, a husband and wife could split the volunteer hours and still earn one Discover Pass.

The bill was introduced in January by state Sens. Randi Becker, R-Eatonville; Barbara Bailey, R-Stanwood; Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick; Joe Fain, R-Covington; Bob Hasegawa, D-Tukwila; Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island; and Judy Warnick, R-Ellensburg.

State parks also host a number of free-admission days - Earth Day on Saturday was one. The next free state parks day is June 3 for National Trails Day.

Image via state of Washington