Bill Description: House Bill 57 would create a new "nonmotorized recreation fund," rename the Parks Passport as the Parks and Trails Passport, and double its fee.

Rating: -3

Does it create, expand, or enlarge any agency, board, program, function, or activity of government? Conversely, does it eliminate or curtail the size or scope of government?

House Bill 57 would create Section 67-7134, Idaho Code, to establish in the state treasury a fund to be known as the "nonmotorized recreation fund." Moneys derived from this fund would be used for, among other things, securing special leases, use licenses, recreation easements, or permits; securing, maintaining, constructing, or developing trails and other public recreational facilities; and formulating and implementing a "nonmotorized user education program." 

Up to half the money in the fund could be distributed "to governmental entities, Indian tribes, and non-governmental organizations through an annual grant process determined by the department."

(-1)

Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt?

One of the purposes specified in statute for the nonmotorized recreation fund would be "to acquire applicable matching federal funds." This will increase Idaho's use of and dependency on debt-financed federal funding.

(-1)

Does it directly or indirectly create or increase any taxes, fees, or other assessments? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce any taxes, fees, or other assessments?

House Bill 57 would amend Section 49-402, Idaho Code, to rename the Parks Passport as the Parks and Trails Passport and to double its annual fee from $10 to $20. Currently, all the money generated from selling these passports goes to the park and recreation fund, but under this bill, 20% of the fee will be redirected to the new nonmotorized recreation fund.

(-1)